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HD 672

An Act relative to public hearings of the Group Insurance Commission

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan

Requires the Group Insurance Commission to hold public hearings before changing copayments, deductibles, or other benefits, boosting transparency for beneficiaries and the public.

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Bill Summary · HD 672

Summary: An Act relative to public hearings of the Group Insurance Commission (HD 672)

Overview

  • Bill number and title: An Act relative to public hearings of the Group Insurance Commission. House Docket No. 672; House Bill No. 2782.
  • Introduced / session: Filed January 10, 2025, in the 194th Massachusetts General Court (2025-2026). Status in the provided text is not specified beyond filing.
  • Purpose: To require the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) to hold public hearings before changing requirements for copayments, deductibles, or other benefits.

Key provision

  • Amendment to law: Chapter 32A, Section 3 would be amended by adding, after the phrase “including the cost thereof,” the following sentence: “The commission shall be required to hold public hearings prior to changing requirements for copayments, deductibles, or other benefits.”
  • Scope of change: This mandates public hearings specifically when the GIC contemplates changes to copayments, deductibles, or other benefits within its offerings.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary entity: The Group Insurance Commission (GIC), which administers health and related benefits for participating state and local government employees, retirees, and other groups covered by GIC plans.
  • Participants and public: GIC beneficiaries and the general public would gain a new opportunity to attend and participate in hearings prior to benefit-related changes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Process required by the bill: The GIC would be required to hold public hearings before implementing changes to copayments, deductibles, or other benefits.
  • Details not specified: The text does not specify hearing scheduling, notification methods, duration, voting outcomes, or thresholds for approval. It also does not define when hearings must occur relative to announced changes or how public input must be incorporated.

Context and history

  • Related prior bill: A similar measure was filed in a prior session (House No. 2469 of 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in public involvement in GIC decisions.
  • What’s not changed by this bill: Other aspects of GIC operations, budgets, caps, or broader governance are not addressed in the text.

Potential impact

  • Transparency and participation: Could enhance transparency by placing a public forum before major changes to cost-sharing or benefit structures.
  • Decision timelines: May affect the timing of approved changes if hearings are required before implementation, potentially delaying changes depending on hearing schedules and outcomes.

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

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