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Bill

H 1134

An Act to improve access and care coordination for people with pain

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill to expand pain management access and coordinate care delivery across providers, with hearing scheduled for September 2025.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4934
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Bill Summary · H 1134

Legislative bill overview

H 1134 aims to improve access to pain management services and enhance care coordination for Massachusetts residents experiencing pain conditions. The bill addresses barriers to treatment by establishing frameworks for better integration across healthcare providers and insurance coverage. It represents an effort to modernize pain care delivery in the state.

Why is this important

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and often results in fragmented care, delayed treatment, and unnecessary suffering. Improved care coordination can reduce emergency department visits, unnecessary surgeries, and opioid dependency by ensuring patients access appropriate multidisciplinary pain management. This directly impacts healthcare costs, quality of life, and public health outcomes in Massachusetts.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance coverage requirements - Mandating specific pain management services could increase insurance premiums or require insurers to expand covered treatments, raising costs for employers and individuals
  • Scope of practice expansions - The bill may expand roles for non-physician providers (physical therapists, nurse practitioners), which could face opposition from physician groups concerned about quality control
  • Opioid policy tensions - Pain management reform intersects with opioid regulation; balancing access with addiction prevention remains contentious among healthcare providers, addiction specialists, and patient advocates

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

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