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S 782

Relates to a tax exemption for enrolled members of a volunteer ocean rescue squad in certain municipalities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Palumbo

Increases insurer data transparency: the state health data center evaluates insurer metrics; Division of Insurance posts submitted data online annually in an easy-to-read format.

SIGNED CHAP.85
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 782

Summary — S.782 (An Act to increase health insurer reporting transparency)

Note: The bill header supplied to this request included an unrelated title about a tax exemption for ocean rescue squad members. The official bill text and docket for S.782 (presented by Sen. Joan B. Lovely) address health insurer reporting transparency. This summary follows the enacted bill text.

Main purpose

S.782 adds statutory requirements to increase public transparency of insurer-submitted data by (1) requiring the state health data center to evaluate and publish insurer data metrics, and (2) directing the Division of Insurance to post submitted insurer information on a public website in an easily readable format annually.

Key provisions

  • Amends section 16 of chapter 12C:

    • Adds subsection (d) directing the center (the state health information center established under chapter 12C) to evaluate and report on individual carrier data metrics that carriers submit under existing law (subsection (b), clauses (1)–(5) of section 10 of chapter 12C).
    • Requires the center to also evaluate data submitted to the Division of Insurance under section 6 of chapter 176J and section 21 of chapter 176O.
    • Mandates the center issue public reports on carrier data periodically, including via its annual report.

  • Amends section 6 of chapter 176J:

    • Adds a sentence requiring the Commissioner of Insurance to make all information submitted under that subsection publicly available on a website in an “easily readable and understandable format” on an annual basis.

Who is affected

  • Health insurers and carriers required to submit data under chapters 12C and 176J/176O — they will have their submitted metrics evaluated and published.
  • The Center for Health Information and Analysis (or equivalent center under chapter 12C) — new evaluation and reporting responsibilities.
  • The Division of Insurance — required to publish submitted information online annually.
  • Consumers, researchers, policymakers, advocacy groups, and journalists — improved public access to insurer data for oversight, comparison, and research.

Procedural status / timeline

  • Introduced and docketed in the 194th General Court; presented by Joan B. Lovely.
  • Passed both chambers, delivered to the Governor, and signed into law as Chapter 85 (signed Feb 14, 2025). (Legislative docket shows readings, committee referrals, passage dates and delivery/signature steps.)

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Increased transparency may improve regulatory oversight, enable comparative analysis of insurer performance, pricing, and market behavior, and inform consumer choice.
  • Administrative burden on insurers and state agencies to format, validate, and publish data; agencies will need processes to ensure accuracy and accessible presentation.
  • Public posting must remain consistent with federal and state privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA); data release will likely require de‑identification or aggregation to protect personal health information.

If you want, I can: (a) pull the exact statutory text references (chapter 12C §10(b)(1)–(5), chapter 176J §6, chapter 176O §21) to list the specific data categories affected, or (b) prepare a short one-page brief for stakeholders (insurers, consumer groups, state agencies) outlining compliance steps.

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

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