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SD 831

An Act to reduce inequities in access to medical procedures

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill to expand medical procedure access for underserved populations through telehealth, targeted reimbursement, and provider accountability reporting.

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Bill Summary · SD 831

Legislative bill overview

SD 831 proposes measures to reduce disparities in access to medical procedures across Massachusetts, particularly for underserved populations. The bill aims to address geographic, economic, and demographic barriers that prevent equitable distribution of healthcare services. Specific mechanisms likely include expanding telehealth options, increasing provider reimbursement in underserved areas, and requiring healthcare facilities to report on access equity metrics.

Why is this important

Healthcare access inequities have documented impacts on health outcomes, with certain communities experiencing longer wait times, fewer specialist options, and higher mortality rates for preventable conditions. Massachusetts has significant variation in procedure availability between urban and rural areas and among different income levels. Addressing these gaps could reduce preventable deaths and hospitalizations while potentially lowering long-term healthcare costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Provider burden and costs: Requirements for healthcare facilities to expand services or report equity data may increase administrative costs and provider burden, potentially passed to patients or insurance holders
  • Geographic viability concerns: Rural providers may argue that some procedures cannot be economically sustained in low-population areas regardless of policy mandates
  • Definition of "inequity": Disagreement over whether disparities reflect access barriers versus patient choice, treatment appropriateness, or underlying health factors

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

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