On December 30th, Conference reports were released on two major pieces of health care legislation, engrossed earlier in the session:Senate bill 3012, An Act Relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Costs and TransparencyHouse bill 5159, An Act Enhancing the Market Review ProcessThis cover memo summarizes…

In May of 2024, Steward Health Care announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection; beginning a process through which the for-profit health system looked to restructure its debt and sell or close assets, including seven Massachusetts hospitals. The bankruptcy announcement, as well as the…

Senator Friedman will discuss her policy agenda for the upcoming session and share her insights on the health care landscape as we begin a new year with a new Presidential administration. Registration is required for this hybrid event, which will be held at MTF's offices at 333 Washington Street,…

Massachusetts is at a critical crossroads, as growth in the behavioral health workforce and the talent pipeline is not keeping pace with the higher demand for services. Healthcare providers struggle to recruit and retain professionals in high-need settings, such as community-based behavioral health…

The prevalence of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression among children has been on the rise for over a decade. At the same time, workforce retention challenges have led to treatment capacity shortages. The onset of the pandemic further exposed and exacerbated these existing problems…

On July 22nd, House Bill 4891, An Act promoting access and affordability of prescription drugs was released from the House Committee on Ways & Means (HWM). Amendments to the bill were due later on July 22nd with anticipated debate occurring on July 24th. This bill is the House rewrite of…

On July 15th, Senate Bill 2871, An Act enhancing the market review process was released from the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (SWM). Amendments to the bill are due by July 16th with anticipated debate occurring on July 18th.This bill is the SWM rewrite of healthcare legislation engrossed by…

On June 6th, the Health Equity Compact held their second annual Health Equity Trends Summit.  For the event, MTF worked with Compact staff to create summary fact sheets on notable health equity accomplishments over the last year, both in and out of the public sector at the state government and…

On October 30, 2023, Senate Bill 726, An Act protecting the homes of seniors and disabled people on MassHealth was reported favorably from the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (SWM), where it remains. The bill reported from Health…

On May 14th, House Bill 4643, An Act enhancing the market review process was polled out of the House Committee on Ways and Means (HWM). Members filed amendments to the bill on Tuesday, and it will be debated before the full House on Thursday, May 16th.The bill is a redraft of H.4620, which was…