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H 2458

An Act establishing a commission to study the promotion of direct primary care services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 4 co-sponsors

Establishes a Massachusetts commission to study and promote direct primary care, with a 12-month report to expand access, cut costs, improve transparency and outcomes.

Accompanied a study order, see H5235
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Bill Summary · H 2458

Summary of H.2458: An Act establishing a commission to study the promotion of direct primary care services

Overview

H.2458 proposes to establish a special commission to study the benefits of direct primary care (DPC) practices in Massachusetts and to develop strategies for promoting DPC to reduce healthcare and prescription costs, improve cost transparency, expand access to care, and enhance health outcomes. The act is designed to operate notwithstanding other laws and requires a formal report within 12 months of enactment.

Purpose and Rationale

  • Promote the adoption and expansion of direct primary care models in the Commonwealth.
  • Explore how DPC can alleviate pressures on the state’s healthcare system and improve access to care for residents.
  • Provide policy recommendations and practical strategies to raise public awareness of DPC and broaden access to these services.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 – Commission Creation: Establishes a commission to study the benefits of direct primary care practices and how to promote them in Massachusetts.

  • Section 2 – Scope of Study and Report: The commission must study benefits including:

    • Reduced healthcare and prescription drug costs
    • Cost transparency
    • Enhanced access to care
    • Improved health outcomes It must include strategic recommendations and policy options to expand access and awareness of DPC.

  • Section 3 – Commission Composition: The commission shall include:

    • The secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) or designee (chair)
    • The chairs of the House and Senate Joint Committee on Public Health
    • The chairs of the House and Senate Joint Committee on Healthcare Financing
    • The CEO of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association or designee
    • Two representatives from the direct primary care industry appointed by the EOHHS secretary
    • One member appointed by the House minority leader
    • One member appointed by the Senate minority leader

  • Section 4 – Public Hearings: The commission must hold at least three public hearings to solicit input from diverse stakeholders (hospitals/health systems, DPC physicians, patient advocacy groups, etc.).

  • Section 5 – Reporting Deadline: The commission must file its findings and recommendations with the Clerks of the House and Senate and the Joint Committees on Public Health and Healthcare Financing no later than 12 months after the act’s effective date.

  • Section 6 – Effective Date: The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Direct primary care providers and industry representatives
  • Hospitals and health systems
  • Patients and patient advocacy organizations
  • State policymakers and legislative committees (Public Health and Healthcare Financing)
  • Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association and related healthcare stakeholders

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to: Public Health
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 23, 2025 (with related schedule adjustments)
  • Reporting date: Currently extended to Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  • Status: Reporting date extension noted; Act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage
  • Related legislation: HD 3737 (replaces)

Potential Impact

  • Provides a structured, collaborative framework to evaluate DPC's benefits and feasibility in Massachusetts.
  • Could inform future policy options to promote DPC, increase access, and improve transparency around costs.
  • Outcomes depend on the commission’s findings and subsequent legislative or regulatory actions.

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

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