An Act regarding Title XIX reimbursements for state colleges and universities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Garballey

The bill orders an interagency study to see if MassHealth can claim Title XIX funding for services to students at state colleges, including those with disabilities.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4880

Overview

Bill Number: H.1367

Title: An Act regarding Title XIX reimbursements for state colleges and universities

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Filed: January 16, 2025 (House Docket No. 2824)

Status: Hearing scheduled for September 11, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (Committee Room A-1)

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Sean Garballey (23rd Middlesex)

Purpose and Intent

The bill directs the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to coordinate an interagency working group to evaluate the feasibility of claiming Title XIX federal financial participation (FFP) for MassHealth-covered services provided to MassHealth members who participate in programs at Massachusetts state colleges and universities.

The scope explicitly includes students with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders, and considers MassHealth members of all ages, including those who are Medicaid/Medicare dual eligibles.

Key Provisions

Establishment of an interagency working group within EOHHS to study:

The feasibility of claiming Title XIX FFP for MassHealth-covered services delivered to students at state colleges/universities.
Both programmatic and administrative avenues for federal claiming.
Inclusion of students under and over age 22, and consideration of dual eligible individuals.

Deliverables:

A published report due by April 1, 2025.
A copy of the report submitted to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and the Joint Committee on Higher Education.
The report must include:
Financial estimates of potential additional revenue.
Identified challenges and opportunities.
A high-level workplan for pursuing any potential revenue.

Affected Parties and Institutions

MassHealth members who are students enrolled in Massachusetts state colleges and universities.

Institutions affected include state colleges and universities, and related MassHealth administrative/programmatic structures.

Populations explicitly mentioned: students with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders; including dual eligibles.

Fiscal and Policy Implications

The bill seeks to determine whether pursuing Title XIX FFP could generate additional revenue for MassHealth-related services provided to campus-based students.

No specific dollar amounts are stated in the bill text; the report must include financial estimates and a high-level plan to pursue potential revenues if feasible.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

Legislative history:

Referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing on February 27, 2025.
Senate concurrence noted on April 3, 2025.
Discharged to the Committee on Higher Education on March 31, 2025.

Related bill: HD 2824 (the bill replaces the prior filing in some way).

Hearing: Scheduled for September 11, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in a hearing room designated A-1.

Additional Considerations

The bill frames a feasibility study rather than immediate policy changes, meaning practical implementation would depend on the working group’s findings, potential federal approval processes, and any necessary state administrative changes.

Coordination between the Department of Public Health, MassHealth, and higher education agencies will be central to the study’s scope and recommendations.

Bill