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H 1399

An Act relative to an individual Medicare marketplace option

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Alice Peisch

Massachusetts proposes creating a state-run Medicare marketplace allowing beneficiaries to compare and switch plans more easily, aiming to increase choice and potentially lower costs.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 1399

Legislative bill overview

H.1399 proposes creating an individual Medicare marketplace option in Massachusetts, allowing Medicare-eligible residents to purchase coverage through a state-facilitated marketplace similar to the ACA's health insurance exchanges. The bill would establish a new mechanism for Medicare beneficiaries to compare and select plans outside traditional enrollment periods and channels.

Why is this important

Medicare beneficiaries currently have limited options to review and switch plans outside annual enrollment windows, potentially trapping individuals in suboptimal coverage. A dedicated marketplace could increase competition, improve plan transparency, and help seniors find more cost-effective or better-aligned coverage options, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving care coordination.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding: Establishing and operating a new marketplace infrastructure requires state resources; unclear whether federal Medicare dollars would support this or if it requires new state appropriations
  • Federal-state coordination complexity: Medicare is federally regulated; creating a state marketplace raises questions about how state oversight would interact with existing CMS (Centers for Medicare & Services) regulations and beneficiary protections
  • Cannibalization concerns: Private insurers and existing Medicare Advantage plans may resist a marketplace that could redirect enrollment away from current offerings, potentially affecting their market share

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

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