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Bill

H 1201

An Act relative to insurance surcharges

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 6 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill regulating how insurance companies assess and apply surcharges to policyholders' premiums, currently in committee review.

Accompanied a study order, see H5206
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Bill Summary · H 1201

Legislative bill overview

H 1201 is a Massachusetts bill that addresses insurance surcharges, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the provided legislative record. Based on the bill title and sponsorship, it likely proposes reforms to how insurance companies assess surcharges on policyholders. The bill has been referred to the Financial Services Committee and is currently scheduled for a hearing.

Why this is important

Insurance surcharges directly affect what consumers pay for coverage and can significantly impact affordability, particularly for lower-income households. Regulations governing surcharges influence how insurers price risk and can either protect consumers from unfair practices or provide insurers flexibility in underwriting.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of surcharge authority: Disagreement over which factors insurers should be permitted to use when applying surcharges (driving records, credit scores, claims history, etc.)
  • Consumer protection vs. insurer flexibility: Balance between preventing discriminatory pricing practices and allowing insurers to accurately assess and price risk
  • Rate transparency and disclosure: Questions about whether consumers receive adequate notice and explanation when surcharges are applied to their policies

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

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