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S 1404

An Act ensuring equitable access and care quality for masshealth recipients

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill to establish equitable healthcare access and quality standards for 1.9 million MassHealth recipients across managed care plans and provider networks.

Hearing scheduled for 11/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · S 1404

Legislative bill overview

S 1404 aims to improve healthcare access and quality for MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) recipients by establishing standards for equitable care delivery and patient outcomes. The bill addresses disparities in service availability and quality across different MassHealth managed care organizations and provider networks. Specific mechanisms and enforcement provisions would be detailed in the bill's full text.

Why is this important

MassHealth serves over 1.9 million Massachusetts residents, making up roughly 25% of the state's population. Quality and access variations in Medicaid can significantly impact health outcomes for low-income and vulnerable populations, including treatment for mental health and substance use disorders—areas the referral suggests this bill emphasizes. Establishing equity standards could reduce healthcare disparities and improve care coordination.

Potential points of contention

  • Provider reimbursement costs: Ensuring equitable access may require higher provider payments or increased state budget allocation, which could face fiscal scrutiny
  • Definition of "equitable access": Disagreement over metrics (wait times, geographic coverage, specialist availability) and whether requirements are practical for all regions
  • Managed care organization compliance: Concerns about mandates' administrative burden and whether organizations can maintain profitability while meeting new equity standards

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

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