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Bill

HD 2119

An Act addressing unfair business practices in health care

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim O'Day

Massachusetts bill establishes enforcement mechanisms against deceptive health care pricing and billing practices, granting the Attorney General expanded regulatory authority.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2119

Legislative bill overview

HD 2119 addresses unfair business practices in the health care sector by establishing new regulatory standards and enforcement mechanisms to protect consumers and ensure fair competition. The bill aims to prevent deceptive pricing, surprise billing, and other exploitative practices that have become increasingly common in health care markets. It grants the Massachusetts Attorney General enhanced authority to investigate and penalize violations.

Why is this important

Health care consumers frequently encounter unexpected bills, hidden fees, and pricing opacity that can lead to financial hardship. These unfair practices are particularly harmful because patients often cannot shop around or negotiate during medical emergencies, creating power imbalances. Strengthening enforcement could lower costs for individuals and increase market transparency across Massachusetts' health care system.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: What constitutes "unfair" practices may be debated; overly broad definitions could limit provider autonomy while narrow ones may fail to address genuine abuses
  • Compliance burden: Health care providers worry about increased regulatory compliance costs, particularly for smaller practices, which could be passed to consumers
  • Attorney General enforcement power: Expanding investigative authority raises concerns about government overreach versus necessary consumer protection

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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