Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-378
EHS 378
SNAP Benefits Eligibility I
Messrs. Fattman and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
“SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any persons, including persons residing under color of law and humanitarian paroles, who do not meet the requirements related to immigration status under chapter 18 of the General Laws, the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, 7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq., or regulations issued pursuant to the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, shall not be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-379
EHS 379
SNAP Benefits Eligibility II
Messrs. Fattman, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
“SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any persons, including persons residing under color of law and humanitarian paroles, who do not meet the requirements related to immigration status under chapter 18 of the General Laws, the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, 7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq., or regulations issued pursuant to the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, shall not be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for more than ten weeks."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-381
EHS 381
Contingency Management
Messrs. Velis, Keenan and Gomez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,500,000 shall be expended for contingency management programs to support individuals with stimulant use disorder”; and in said section 2, in said item 4512-0200, by striking out the figure “$197,928,851” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$199,428,851”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-381-R1
Redraft EHS 381
Contingency Management
Messrs. Velis, Keenan, O'Connor, Moore, Cyr and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for contingency management programs to support individuals with stimulant use disorder”; and by striking out the figure “$197,928,851” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$198,928,851”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-382-R1
Redraft EHS 382
YMCAs
Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Eldridge, Moore, Gomez, Velis, Tarr, Payano, O'Connor, Fattman, Keenan, Montigny and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$1,800,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,500,000”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$7,700,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,400,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-382
EHS 382
YMCAs
Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Eldridge, Moore, Gomez, Velis, Tarr, Payano, O'Connor and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$1,800,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,500,000”; and in by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,900,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-385
EHS 385
Elder Mental Health Services
Mr. Velis, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Lewis, Brady, Mark, Eldridge and Gomez, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Moran and Messrs. Keenan, Crighton, Payano, Tarr, O'Connor, Timilty, Moore, Cronin, Cyr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1640, by striking out the figure "$2,509,293" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$4,500,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-386
EHS 386
Simplifying Employment and Income Determinations/Redeterminations for Medicaid Benefits
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ____ the following section:-
"SECTION ___. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary, in order to achieve cost savings, improve timeliness, and minimize fraud, MassHealth shall obtain employment and income information from a third-party commercial consumer reporting agency, in accordance with the federal “Fair Credit Reporting Act,” 15 U.S.C. s.1681 et seq., for the purpose of obtaining real-time employment and income information to assist with Medicaid eligibility determinations and redeterminations in adherence to state and federal eligibility requirements and to support the agency’s objectives.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-387
EHS 387
C-10 Research and Education Foundation
Messrs. Tarr and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0615, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $120,000 may be expended for the C-10 Research and Education Foundation, Inc. to provide radiological monitoring in the 6 communities of the commonwealth that are within the plume exposure emergency planning zone of the Seabrook nuclear power plant"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-388
EHS 388
Project R.I.G.H.T., Inc
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Project R.I.G.H.T., Inc.’s substance use and trauma prevention initiative in the Grove Hall area of Boston"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-388-R1
Redraft EHS 388
Project R.I.G.H.T., Inc
Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for Project R.I.G.H.T., Inc.’s substance use and trauma prevention initiative in the Grove Hall section of the city of Boston"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-389-R1
Redraft EHS 389
Boys & Girls Clubs
Messrs. Kennedy, Eldridge, Moore, O'Connor, Montigny and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$2,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,000,000”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$7,700,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-389
EHS 389
Boys & Girls Clubs
Messrs. Kennedy, Eldridge and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$2,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,000,000”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$2,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,700,000”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-390
EHS 390
Supportive Services for Families in Crisis
Ms. Miranda and Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for Children Services of Roxbury to provide access to statewide services for families in crisis, including eviction prevention and culturally responsive mental health and substance use recovery support services and trauma-focused childcare for children coping with homelessness or adversity,” and by striking out $130,540,885 and inserting in place thereof the figures “$131,540,885”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-391
EHS 391
The Betsy Lehman Center’s Roadmap to Health Care Safety for Massachusetts
Ms. Creem, Messrs. Brady, Keenan and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Moran, Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Cyr, Pacheco and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4100-0063 the following item:
“4100-0064 For the betsy lehman center for patient safety and medical error reduction, to support implementation of the roadmap to health care safety for Massachusetts, including a pilot program of electronic health record safety event monitoring and a statewide program of health care safety education…. $2,200,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-392
EHS 392
Mental Health Services for Immigrants and Refugees
Ms. Creem and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5046-0000, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the International Institute of New England, Inc. for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for immigrants and refugees”; and by striking out the figure “$622,286,567” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “6,222,586,567”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-392-R1
Redraft EHS 392
Mental Health Services for Immigrants and Refugees
Ms. Creem and Messrs. Eldridge and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5046-0000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the International Institute of New England, Inc. for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-393-R1
Redraft EHS 393
Maximizing the Independent Living Skills of Legally Blind Residents
Ms. Creem, Messrs. Eldridge, Gomez and Oliveira, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Moran and Messrs. Payano, O'Connor, Timilty and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4110-1000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,100,000 shall be expended by the Massachusetts commission for the blind to maximize the independent living skills of legally blind residents of the commonwealth through rehabilitation programs, housing assistance services, adjustment counseling services and the provision of accessible devices, assistive software and equipment and supportive technology training provided by qualified nonprofit providers in community, residential, virtual and facility-based settings; provided further, that not less than $500,000 of said $1,100,000 shall be made available for the Carroll Center for the Blind, Inc. and not less than $300,000 of said $1,100,000 shall be made available for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired”; and by striking out the figure “$7,521,822” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,621,822”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-393
EHS 393
Maximizing the Independent Living Skills of Legally Blind Residents
Ms. Creem, Messrs. Eldridge, Gomez and Oliveira, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Moran moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4110-1000, by inserting after the word “network” the following:- “; provided, that not less than $1,100,000 shall be expended by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind to maximize the independent living skills of legally blind residents of the commonwealth through rehabilitation programs, housing assistance services, adjustment counseling services and the provision of accessible devices, assistive software and equipment and supportive technology training provided by qualified nonprofit providers in community, residential, virtual and facility-based settings, not less than $500,000 of which shall be made available for the Carroll Center for the Blind, Inc. and not less than $300,000 of which shall be made available for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired”; and by striking out the figure “7,521,822” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “8,621,822”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-395
EHS 395
The Brookline Community Mental Health Center's Healthy Lives Program
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by inserting the following words:- “; provided that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Brookline Community Mental Health Center, Inc. to expand the healthy lives program”; and by striking out the figure “146,849,925” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “147,099,925”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-396
EHS 396
Coverage for Fertility Preservation Services
Ms. Creem, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Feeney, Lewis and Eldridge, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gomez, O'Connor, Moore, Payano, Montigny and Keenan and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-
"SECTION ___. Chapter 32A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 17S the following section:-
Section 17T. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
'Directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility', to cause circumstances where a disease, or the necessary treatment for a disease, has a likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
'Standard fertility preservation services', procedures or treatments to preserve fertility as recommended by a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist or other physician; provided, that the recommendation shall be made in accordance with current medical practices and professional guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
(b) The commission shall provide to any active or retired employee of the commonwealth who is insured under the group insurance commission coverage for standard fertility preservation services, including, but not limited to, coverage for procurement, cryopreservation and storage of gametes, embryos or other reproductive tissue, when the enrollee has a diagnosed medical or genetic condition that may directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility by affecting reproductive organs or processes. Coverage shall be provided to the same extent that coverage is provided for other pregnancy-related procedures.
SECTION ___. Chapter 175 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 47UU, inserted by section 56 of chapter 28 of the acts of 2023, the following section:-
Section 47VV. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
'Directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility', to cause circumstances where a disease, or the necessary treatment for a disease, has a likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
'Standard fertility preservation services', procedures or treatments to preserve fertility as recommended by a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist or other physician; provided, that the recommendation shall be made in accordance with current medical practices and professional guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
(b) The following shall provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services, including, but not limited to, coverage for procurement, cryopreservation and storage of gametes, embryos or other reproductive tissue, when the enrollee has a diagnosed medical or genetic condition that may directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility by affecting reproductive organs or processes: (i) any policy of accident and sickness insurance, as described in section 108, that provides hospital expense and surgical expense insurance and that is delivered, issued or subsequently renewed by agreement between the insurer and policyholder in the commonwealth; (ii) any blanket or general policy of insurance described in subdivision (A), (C) or (D) of section 110 that provides hospital expense and surgical expense insurance and that is delivered, issued or subsequently renewed by agreement between the insurer and the policyholder, within or without the commonwealth; and (iii) any employees’ health and welfare fund that provides hospital expense and surgical expense benefits and that is delivered, issued or renewed to any person or group of persons in the commonwealth. Coverage shall be provided to the same extent that coverage is provided for other pregnancy-related procedures.
SECTION ___. Chapter 176A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 8VV, inserted by section 58 of chapter 28 of the acts of 2023, the following section:-
Section 8WW. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
'Directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility', to cause circumstances where a disease, or the necessary treatment for a disease, has a likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
'Standard fertility preservation services', procedures or treatments to preserve fertility as recommended by a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist or other physician; provided, that the recommendation shall be made in accordance with current medical practices and professional guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
(b) Any contract between a subscriber and a corporation subject to this chapter, pursuant to an individual or group hospital service plan that is delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services, including, but not limited to, coverage for procurement, cryopreservation and storage of gametes, embryos or other reproductive tissue, when the enrollee has a diagnosed medical or genetic condition that may directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility by affecting reproductive organs or processes. Coverage shall be provided to the same extent that coverage is provided for other pregnancy-related procedures.
SECTION ___. Chapter 176B of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 4VV, inserted by section 59 of said chapter 28, the following section:-
Section 4WW. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
'Directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility', to cause circumstances where a disease, or the necessary treatment for a disease, has a likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
'Standard fertility preservation services', procedures or treatments to preserve fertility as recommended by a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist or other physician; provided, that the recommendation shall be made in accordance with current medical practices and professional guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
(b) A subscription certificate under an individual or group medical service agreement that is delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services, including, but not limited to, the coverage for procurement, cryopreservation and storage of gametes, embryos or other reproductive tissue, when the enrollee has a diagnosed medical or genetic condition that may directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility by affecting reproductive organs or processes. Coverage shall be provided to the same extent that coverage is provided for other pregnancy-related procedures.
SECTION ___. Chapter 176G of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 4NN, inserted by section 60 of said chapter 28, the following section:-
Section 4OO. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
'Directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility', to cause circumstances where a disease, or the necessary treatment for a disease, has a likely side effect of infertility as established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
'Standard fertility preservation services', procedures or treatments to preserve fertility as recommended by a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist or other physician; provided, that the recommendation shall be made in accordance with current medical practices and professional guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology or other reputable professional organizations.
(b) An individual or group health maintenance contract that is issued, delivered or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services, including, but not limited to, coverage for procurement, cryopreservation and storage of gametes, embryos or other reproductive tissue, when the enrollee has a diagnosed medical or genetic condition that may directly or indirectly cause impairment of fertility by affecting reproductive organs or processes. Coverage shall be provided to the same extent that coverage is provided for other pregnancy-related procedures."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-397
EHS 397
Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
Ms. Creem, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Crighton and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0005, by inserting the following words:- “; provided that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Inc. for the operation of comprehensive educational programming on gun violence and gun violence prevention”; and by striking out the figure “13,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “13,050,000"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-398
EHS 398
Regional EMS
Messrs. Tarr, Moore and Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0790, by striking the figure:- "$500,000" and inserting in place thereof the following:-"$1,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-399
EHS 399
Citizenship for New Americans
Messrs. Tarr, Eldridge, Fattman and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by striking the figure "$1,295,460" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,395,460".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-400
EHS 400
Spouses as Caregivers
Messrs. Tarr, O'Connor and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Chapter 118E of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 13L the following section:-
Section 13M. To the extent permitted under federal law, spouses shall be authorized to serve as paid caregivers in the MassHealth program for the provision of certain home-based care and services.
SECTION _. The executive office of health and human services shall file a state plan amendment or waiver application, as may be required, to implement this act no later than 6 months following the effective date of this act."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-401
EHS 401
Certified Medication Aides
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Chapter 111, as appearing in the Massachusetts General Laws 2020 Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, after section 72BB the following new section:-
Section 72CC. (a) As used in this section the following words shall have the following meaning:- A certified medication aide means a staff member, who meets the eligibility requirements, has successfully completed the required training and competency testing developed by the Department of Public Health, and is considered competent to administer medications to residents in long-term care facilities.
(b) The Department shall create a program for the administration of medications in long-term care facilities by certified medication aides in consultation with all necessary and relevant appropriate agencies, and licensing boards, including, but not limited to, the board of registration in Nursing.
(c) The Department shall develop and approve training curricula, competency evaluation procedures, standards for qualifications of applicants for certification and monitoring and oversight requirements for participating long-term care facilities.
(d) The Department shall establish regulations that include: (1) provisions for continuing education requirements for certified medication aides; (2) requirements for re-certification of certified medication aides on a biennial basis; and (3) fees for the issuance of certification to certified medication aides.
(e) The Department shall allow for the creation of apprenticeship programs for currently employed resident care assistants (RCAs) and certified nurse aides (CNAs) to become certified medication aides.
(f) The Department may promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-402
EHS 402
Group Purchasing Cooperative
Messrs. Tarr and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after SECTION _ the following section:-
"SECTION _. Section 12 of Chapter 176J as appearing is hereby amended by striking in line 32 the figure, "6" and inserting in place thereof the following:-"10." By striking in line 35 the figure, "6" and inserting in place thereof the following:- "10".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-403
EHS 403
Infant Care Necessities
Messrs. Tarr, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by inserting at the end thereof the following:- "; provided further that the Department of Public Health shall make a request for approval from the United States Department of Agriculture for the expenditure of benefits on diapers for children and infants under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-404
EHS 404
Repealing the Sunset on Co-Pay Assistance
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
“SECTION ____. Sections 131 and 226 of Chapter 139 of the Acts of 2012 are hereby repealed."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-405
EHS 405
Healthcare provider liability and patient protection
Messrs. Tarr, Fattman, Montigny, Moore, Brady, Durant and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0810-0000, by adding the following words at the end thereof:- "; provided further, that the attorney general shall appoint one or more persons as special counsel in the matter of Steward Health Care, the costs of which shall be borne by funds from this item and such funds from the Healthcare Provider Liability and Patient Protection Fund established under this act as may be further appropriated, provided further, that to the maximum feasible extent consistent with sound practice and litigation strategy, said special counsel shall file reports detailing their activities, the status of all pending actions to which the commonwealth is a party, and any and all other relevant information, with the clerks of the House and Senate, the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, and the Joint Committee on Health Care
Financing not less than every 6 months commencing within 60 days following such appointment, for three years following the passage of this act, unless such obligation is otherwise extended, modified, or terminated";
By inserting after item 0810-1206 the following item:-
"XXXX-XXXX. For the healthcare provider liability and patient protection fund................ $200,000"; and
By inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a fund known as the " Healthcare Provider Liability and Patient Protection Fund ", the purposes of which shall include but not be limited to:
1. Receiving funds from fines, penalties, sanctions, and recoveries from health care providers in the commonwealth resulting from judicial, regulatory, or administrative law proceedings to which the commonwealth or any agency thereof is a party, and which are not otherwise encumbered by statute, regulation, or policy, appropriations, and funds provided by the federal government.
2. Providing resources to support patients and mitigate the disruption of care due to the bankruptcy, closure, or other interruption in the provision of care by a provider in the commonwealth.
3. Providing resources to the attorney general, the executive office of health and human services, the department of public health, or other state agencies for the purpose of recovering funds through prosecution, participation in civil and administrative legal actions, or other similar actions, for such costs as personnel, including but not limited to special prosecutors, masters, receivers, and experts, research and analysis, the obtaining and production of documents, or other relevant costs.
The fund shall be administered jointly by the Attorney General, the Inspector General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, whom shall promulgate regulations for the operation of the fund no later than 6 months following the passage of this act, and whom shall request as necessary from the legislature appropriations from the fund consistent with the purposes defined herein.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Attorney General and the Inspector General shall file an annual report detailing information including but not limited to the receipts, disbursements, expenditures, and items financed by the fund to the clerks of the house and senate no later than December 31."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-406-R1
Redraft EHS 406
To support access to resources for maternal health
Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department of public health shall conduct a feasibility study for the development, initial deployment and promotion of a software application accessible by cell phones, computers, tablets and other electronic devices to enable the public to identify, evaluate and access resources for maternal and infant health including, but not limited to, mental and physical healthcare, transportation, nutrition and housing; provided further, that not later than December 31, 2024, the department shall submit a report on the outcomes of the feasibility study to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the house and senate committees on ways and means".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-406
EHS 406
To support access to resources for maternal health
Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding at the end thereof the following words:- "; provided further, that funds from this item shall be expended by the department for the development, initial deployment , and promotion of an electronic application accessible by cell phones, computers, tablets, and other devices to enable the public to identify, evaluate, and access resources for maternal and infant health, including but not limited to mental and physical healthcare, transportation, nutrition, housing, and other resources attendant to child care and development and maternal health, provided further that such application shall be operational in its initial form not later than May 1, 2025, and updated and / or expanded not less than every 6 months".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-407
EHS 407
ASAP Intake
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1633, by adding after the word "affairs", the following:- " ; provided further, that the department, in consultation with the administrators of contracted aging services access points, shall develop and execute a plan to streamline the intake assessment process with regard to the questions involved in developing the Comprehensive Data Sets known as CDS-3-CM and CDS-3-RN, so as to reduce, consolidate, or otherwise improve the efficiency and ease of administering said process with regard to such questions,".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-408
EHS 408
Medicaid Coverage for Doula Services
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following sections:-
"SECTION_. Chapter 118E of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 10N the following section:-
Section 10-O: Medicaid Coverage for Doula Services.
(A) For purposes of this section, the term “doula services” shall have the following meaning:
“Doula Services” are physical, emotional, and informational support, but not medical care, provided by trained doulas to individuals and families during and after pregnancy, labor, childbirth, miscarriage, stillbirth or pregnancy loss. Doula services include but are not limited to:
(1) continuous labor support;
(2) prenatal, postpartum, and bereavement home or in-person visits throughout the perinatal period, lasting until 1 year after birth, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or miscarriage;
(3) accompanying pregnant individuals to health care and social services appointments;
(4) providing support to individuals for loss of pregnancy or infant from conception through one year postpartum;
(5) connecting individuals to community-based and state- and federally-funded resources, including those which address social determinants of health;
(6) making oneself available (being on-call) around the time of birth or loss as well as providing support for any concerns of pregnant individuals throughout pregnancy and until one year after birth, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
(7) providing support for other individuals providing care for a birthing parent, including a birthing parent’s partner and family members.
(B) Coverage of Doula Services:
(1) The Division shall provide coverage of doula services to pregnant individuals and postpartum individuals up to 12 months following the end of the pregnancy who are eligible for medical assistance under this chapter and/or through Title XIX or Title XXI of the Social Security Act. The Division shall provide the same coverage of doula services to pregnant and postpartum individuals who are not otherwise eligible for medical assistance under this chapter or Titles XIX or XXI of the Social Security Act solely because of their immigration status.
(2) The Division must cover continuous support through labor and childbirth, and at least up to six doula visits across the prenatal and one year postpartum period, including at least two postpartum visits, without the need for prior authorization. The Division must also establish a procedure to cover additional doula visits as needed.
(C) Creation of Doula Advisory Committee: There is hereby created a Doula Advisory Committee.
(1) The committee shall consist of 10-12 members to be appointed by the commissioner of public health, or designee.
(a) All but 2 of the members must be practicing doulas from the community; the remaining 2 members must be individuals from the community who have experienced pregnancy as a MassHealth member and are not practicing doulas.
(b) Among the members described in (a) above:
(i) at least 1 member must be a person who identifies as belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community;
(iii) at least 1 member must be a person who has experienced a severe maternal morbidity, a perinatal mental health or mood disorder, or a near-death experience while pregnant or in maternity care;
(iv) at least 1 member must be a person who identifies as a person with disabilities or disabled person;
(c) The members of the committee shall represent a diverse range of experience levels- from doulas new to the practice to more experienced doulas.
(d) The members of the committee shall be from areas within the Commonwealth where maternal and infant outcomes are worse than the state average, as evidenced by the MA Department of Public Health’s most current perinatal data available at the time the member is appointed.
(e) The members of the committee shall represent an equitable geographic distribution from across the Commonwealth.
(2) The committee must be convened within six months of passage of this law.
(3) Of the initial appointments to the Doula Advisory Committee, half shall be appointed to a term of 2 years and half shall be appointed to a term of 18 months. Thereafter, all terms shall be 2 years. The commissioner of public health, or designee, shall fill vacancies as soon as practicable.
(4) At least once every 8 weeks, the Division must meet with the Doula Advisory Committee to consult about at least the following:
(a) the scope of doula services covered by MassHealth;
(b) doula competencies required for reimbursement by MassHealth, and standards of proof or demonstration of those competencies;
(c) the recruitment of a diverse workforce of doulas to provide services to MassHealth members;
(d) the development of comprehensive and high quality continuing education and training that is free or low cost to doulas committed to providing services to MassHealth members, as well as the development of mentorship and career growth opportunities for doulas providing services to MassHealth members;
(e) the performance of any third party administrators of MassHealth’s doula coverage program, and standards and processes around billing for and prompt reimbursement of doula services;
(f) establishing grievance procedures for doulas, MassHealth members, and health care providers about MassHealth’s coverage of doula services and/or the provision of doula services to MassHealth members;
(g) outreach to the public and stakeholders about how to access doula care for MassHealth members, and about the availability of and advantages of doula care;
(h) the evaluation and collection of data on the provision of, outcomes of, access to, and satisfaction with doula care services provided to MassHealth members;
(i) maintaining a reimbursement rate for doula services that incentivizes and supports a diverse workforce representative of the communities served, and establishing a recurring timeframe to review that rate in light of inflation and changing costs of living in the commonwealth;
(j) how to ensure that MassHealth’s doula reimbursement program is directed towards the goal of reducing inequities in maternal and birth outcomes among racial, ethnic, and cultural populations who reside in all areas within the commonwealth, as evidenced by the most current perinatal data supplied by the department of public health.
(5) Each year, the Doula Advisory Committee must, by a majority vote of a quorum of its members, select an individual to serve as its chairperson for a one year term. The Doula Advisory Committee may replace the chairperson in the same manner mid-term.
(6) The Doula Advisory Committee may, by a majority vote of a quorum of its members, reduce the frequency of meetings with MassHealth to less than once every 8 weeks.
(7) The division and the Department of Public Health shall seek resources to offer reasonable compensation to members of the Doula Advisory Committee for fulfilling their duties, and must reimburse members for actual and necessary expenses incurred while fulfilling their duties.
(8) The division, in partnership with the Doula Advisory Committee, shall conduct at least 1 public hearing or forum each year until three years after passage of this law. The purposes of these hearings or forums shall be to gather feedback from the public and to inform the public about MassHealth’s coverage of doula care.
SECTION _. Chapter 29 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 2QQQQQ the following section:-
Section 2RRRRR. (a) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund known as the Doula Workforce Development Trust Fund, hereinafter called the fund. The fund shall be administered by the department of career services which shall contract with the Commonwealth Corporation to administer the fund. The fund shall be credited with: (i) revenue from appropriations or other money authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; (ii) interest earned on such revenues; and (iii) funds from public and private sources; and other gifts, grants and donations for the growth, training and continuous support of the doula workforce. Amounts credited to the fund shall not be subject to further appropriation and any money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund.
(b) The Commonwealth Corporation shall make expenditures from the fund for the purposes of:
(i) the development and expansion of comprehensive doula training available across the commonwealth. including the development of doula training focused on meeting the needs of MassHealth members;
(ii) ensuring that doulas committed to serving MassHealth members have access to high quality doula training at no- or low-cost to them;
(iii) the recruitment and retention of doulas from communities with high concentrations of MassHealth members, as well as areas within the commonwealth where maternal and infant outcomes are worse than the state average, as evidenced by the MA Department of Public Health’s perinatal data.
(iv) expanding doula mentoring opportunities across the state, which provide new doulas the opportunity to attend births and incentivize experienced practicing doulas to take on mentees.
(v) leveraging funds to secure future federal funding to support doula workforce development in the commonwealth.
(c) The director of career services shall annually, not later than December 31, report to the secretary of administration and finance, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on labor and workforce development on the efforts undertaken in support of section (b) above; the number of doulas recruited and trained as a result of activities taken in support of (b) above, including but not limited to sex, gender identity, race, and ethnicity of such doulas; the amount of grants and identities of grantees awarded in support of section (b) above; and the availability of doula training at no- or low-cost to doulas committed to serving MassHealth members.
SECTION _: Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting in section 70E after “Every patient or resident of a facility shall have the right:”:
(p) to have their birth doula’s continuous presence during labor and delivery. Facilities shall not place an undue burden on a patient’s doula’s access to clinical labor and delivery settings, and shall not arbitrarily exclude a patient’s doula from such settings.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-409
EHS 409
Gun Violence Prevention Grant Program
Ms. Creem, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Lewis, Gomez, Payano, Collins, O'Connor, Finegold, Brady, Moore and Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1504, by striking out the figure "$10,091,186" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$13,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-411
EHS 411
Electronic Backpack for Foster Children’s Educational Records
Messrs. Fattman, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-
"SECTION X. Chapter 71 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following section:-
Section 98. (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall, unless the context requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-
“Department”, shall mean the department of elementary and secondary education..
“Foster child or youth”, shall mean a child under the care or custody of the department of children and families or a young adult who has signed a voluntary placement agreement with the department of children and families.
“Electronic backpack”, shall mean an electronic repository of a foster child or youth’s educational records.
(b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner of the department, in consultation with the office of the child advocate and the commissioner of the department of children and families, shall develop and implement an electronic backpack system for the educational stability of foster child or youth.
(c) The department shall create an electronic backpack for each foster child or youth. The department, in conjunction with the department of children and families, shall promulgate regulations on the format and function of the electronic backpack system. Each electronic backpack system shall contain, but is not limited to, the educational records of the foster child or youth, including the names and addresses of educational providers, the name and contact of the child’s DCF case worker if applicable, the foster child or youth’s grade-level performance, transcript, the foster child or youth’s school attendance records, individual education plan if applicable, the name and contact information of the individual or individuals who are designated as the child’s educational decision makers, the name of the legal guardian with signing rights to release the child from school, visit notes from the school nurse, guidance counselor, or other administrators, detailed notes on best interest determination meetings, if applicable, and any other educational information that the department requires. The department shall maintain the electronic backpack as part of the department’s records for the foster child or youth as long as the foster child or youth remains in foster care.
(d) The department shall make the electronic backpack available to:
(i) Any person authorized by law to make educational decisions for the foster child or youth;
(ii) The teacher/teachers, school and school district that the child or youth is enrolled in;
(iii) Any person authorized to consent to medical care for the foster child or youth; and
(iv) Any provider of medical care to the foster child or youth if access to the foster child or youth’s educational information is necessary for the provision of medical care and is not prohibited by law.
(e) The department shall collaborate with the department of children and families to develop policies and procedures to ensure that the needs of foster child or youths are met in every school district.
SECTION X. The department shall implement the electronic backpack program within one year of the passage of this act."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-412
EHS 412
Medical Exemption for Manufacturer Coupons
Messrs. Fattman and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
“SECTION X. Clause (2) of subsection (b) of section 3 of chapter 175H of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, in line 40, after the word "94C" the following words:-
This clause shall not apply to any individual that cannot be medically prescribed the AB rated generic equivalent and can provide proof from their primary care practitioner.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-413
EHS 413
Public Guardianship Study
Ms. Lovely, Mr. Brady, Ms. Moran, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-
"SECTION XXXX. (a) The Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance (“The Division”) shall conduct a study on the need for qualified professional guardians to give informed medical consent for unbefriended, indigent persons, which is a significant barrier to hospital discharge and access to long-term care and preventive care. The study shall include the following: 1) review the unmet need for qualified professional guardians to assist unbefriended, indigent persons with accessing appropriate medical care, including hospital discharge and preventive care; 2) produce data on the current number of Rogers and Rudow guardians, the costs to the state of reimbursing these types of guardians, and the number of MassHealth long-term care beneficiaries whose only income is from SSI; 3) analyze the estimated costs and benefits of establishing guardians as MassHealth fee for service providers; 4) make recommendations to improve the policies and procedures related to recognizing and paying guardians.
(b) The Division shall consult with the Probate and Family Court as needed to carry out the mandate of this section.
(c) Not later than July 31, 2025, the Division shall submit its report, including any proposed legislation necessary to carry out its recommendations, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the joint committee on elder affairs.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-414
EHS 414
Expanding Options for EMT Paramedics
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-
“SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any emergency medical technician, as defined by section 1 of chapter 111C of the General Laws, who has been (i) awarded a paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, (ii) awarded an EMT-Paramedic certificate as administered by the department of public health, (iii) completed no less than 9,000 hours of paramedic field work for any licensed ambulance service in the commonwealth after receiving said certificates, and has (iv) completed a National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) approved preparation course, shall not be required to graduate from a Board of Registration in Nursing approved nursing program in the commonwealth to participate in the NCLEX-RN.
SECTION X. Any emergency medical technician, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111C of the General Laws, who has been (i) awarded an associate of science, bachelor of science, or master of science in emergency medical services at an accredited college or university, (ii) awarded a paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, (iii) awarded an EMT-Paramedic certificate as administered by the department of public health, (iv) completed no less than 5,000 hours of paramedic field work for any licensed ambulance service in the commonwealth after receiving said certificates, and has (v) completed a National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) approved preparation course, shall not be required to graduate from a Board of Registration in Nursing approved nursing program in the commonwealth to participate in the NCLEX-RN.
SECTION X. Any emergency medical technician paramedic shall be required to provide specific documentation for Good Moral Character (GMC) evaluation as defined in sections 74, 74A, and 76 of chapter 112 of the General Laws to be licensed as a registered nurse in the commonwealth.
SECTION X. The department of public health shall implement said changes within one year of the passage of this act.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-415
EHS 415
Pathway to Possible
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Pathway to Possible, Inc. in the city of Newton to provide housing, support, and advocacy for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-416
EHS 416
Newton At Home
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended for Newton At Home, Inc. to provide financial assistance to qualifying seniors in the city of Newton”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “130,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-417
EHS 417
Welcome Home
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Welcome Home, Inc. in the city of Newton for its home goods pantry”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “140,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-418
EHS 418
Bet Tzedek
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0038, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for Bet Tzedek legal services, a legal assistance program offered through Jewish Family and Children's Service, Inc.”; and by striking out the figure “$373,873,635” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$373,888,635”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-418-R1
Redraft EHS 418
Bet Tzedek
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0038, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended to Jewish Family and Children's Service, Inc. for the Bet Tzedek legal services program”; and by striking out the figure “$373,873,635” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$373,888,635”; and
in said section 2, in item 7100-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Hillel House at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Inc. to address security concerns and support student safety”; and by striking out the figure “$760,555,874” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$760,630,874”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-419
EHS 419
Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
Messrs. Velis, Eldridge, Moore, Lewis, Oliveira and Collins, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Payano, Tarr, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$2,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,000,000”; and by striking out the figure “$7,700,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-422
EHS 422
College Navigator Services
Messrs. Durant, Moore, Cronin, Eldridge and Oliveira, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Gomez, O'Connor and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-4000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $400,000 shall be expended for College Navigator Services”; and by striking out the figure “$13,895,864” and inserting in the place thereof the following figure:- “$14,295,864”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-423
EHS 423
Assistive Technology Services
Messrs. Durant, Cronin, Eldridge and Oliveira, Ms. Kennedy and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-4000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $2,340,000 shall be expended for assistive technology services”; and by striking out the figure “$13,895,864” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,315,864”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-424-R1
Redraft EHS 424
Neighborhood Birth Center
Ms. Lovely, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Mark, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Gomez, Eldridge, Crighton, Payano, Collins, Tarr, O'Connor, Rush and Cronin, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by striking out the words “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to TransHealth, Inc. in the town of Northampton to provide gender-affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse people and to provide gender-affirming care case management”; and by striking out the figure “$146,849,925” and inserting in place thereof the following figure- “$146,349,925”; and
in said section 2, in item 4590-1503, by striking the figure “$150,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”; and by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Neighborhood Birth Center in the city of Boston to provide perinatal health care and prenatal and postpartum support to birthing people”; and by striking out the figure "$13,990,988" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$14,490,988".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-424
EHS 424
Neighborhood Birth Center
Ms. Lovely, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Mark, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Gomez, Eldridge, Crighton, Payano, Collins, Tarr, O'Connor, Rush and Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Neighborhood Birth Center in the city of Boston to provide perinatal health care and prenatal and postpartum support to birthing people”; and by striking out the figure "$13,990,988" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$14,490,988".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-425
EHS 425
Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement
Messrs. Durant and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Section 1 of Chapter 176J as appearing in the 2020 official edition is hereby amended by inserting in line 252 after the word, "amended" the following:-"employees shall be counted in the aggregate at the MEWA level."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-426
EHS 426
Patients Right to Save
Messrs. Durant, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section_ the following sections:-
"SECTION_. (A). Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary all health care entities and providers licensed by the commonwealth shall set and disclose the discounted cash price(s) they would accept for items and services in a machine-readable format. Said disclosure shall specify when the discounted cash price varies for reasons such as, but not limited to, the time of day the item and service is provided, day of service, office location, if the patient is filling a last minute cancelled appointment, or the promptness of the payment, if items and services are billed individually or by a service package, or if the price varies by income level, or for any ancillary services or amenities provided during the service.
(B). Such discounted cash price shall be available to all patients regardless of insurance plan or insurance status.
(D) . Health care entities shall publish such information on their website, if they have one, and/or provide a link to a third-party that provides patients free access to discounted cash prices for items and services, including those offered through that entity.
(E) Patients shall be informed of their ability to access discounted cash prices during any intake process to make an appointment, or when checking in for a service.
Said disclosure should inform the patient or potential patient insured on a plan regulated under chapter 176J that the patient would quality under this section for deductible credit if they have not exceeded their deductible to date if:
(a). The patient were to pay the discounted cash price and
(b).The discounted cash price is below the de-identified minimum negotiated
charge
(F). Discounted cash pricing information shall be updated at least annually, or within 10 days of pricing changes.
(G). Limit on contractual obligations to avoid disclosure:
(i).Health care entities licensed in the state may not sign contracts that prevent them from offering a discounted cash price below other contracted rates with either commercial and public payers, or that prevents the health entity from disclosing their discounted cash price to patients. Such a clause of any current contract that does so is void and shall be stricken from subsequent versions of the contract.
(ii) A health insurance plan or pharmacy benefits manager may not impose on an enrollee a copayment or other charge that exceeds the claim cost of a prescription drug. If information related to an enrollee's out-of-pocket cost or the clinical efficacy of a prescription drug or alternative medication is available to a pharmacy provider, a carrier or pharmacy benefits manager may not penalize a pharmacy provider for providing that information to an enrollee. Out-of-pocket pricing shall be displayed via an interface to prescribers at the point of prescribing with the patient.
SECTION _. (A). Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary beginning upon approval of the next health insurance rate filing after enactment, an enrollee covered under chapter 176J that elects to receive medically necessary covered items or services at a discounted cash priced that is below the de-identified minimum negotiated charge shall receive credit toward the enrollee’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as specified in the enrollee’s health plan as if the health care services had been provided by a network provider.
(B). Health plans licensed under chapter 176j shall disclose to the enrollee the de-identified minimum negotiated charge for their particular health plan. If health care entities do not disclose the de-identified minimum negotiated charge, then enrollees can reference a benchmark selected by the health policy commission in consultation with the division of insurance as a substitute for the minimum negotiated charge, which may be drawn from a third-party.
(C). A health plan may not discriminate in the form of payment for any network health care item or service covered under an enrollee's health plan based solely on the basis that the enrollee's referral was made by a provider who is not a member of the carrier's provider network.
(D).If an enrollee elects to utilize a pharmacy discount program, drug manufacturer rebate, or other discount or rebate program from a U.S.-based seller, including purchasing from a licensed prescribing provider such as a direct primary care provider, that results in a lower cost than the de-identified minimum negotiated charge would have been paid for a covered prescription medication had the enrollee utilized their health insurance policy to purchase the drug, the health plan shall apply the payments made by the enrollee for that covered prescription medication toward the enrollee’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as specified in the enrollee’s health plan as if the prescription medication had been purchased from a network pharmacy utilizing the enrollee’s health plan. The insurer may recognize the value of a discount or coupon towards a patient’s deductible. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict a health plan from requiring standard preauthorization or other precertification requirements that are currently required.
(E). The health plan shall provide a downloadable or interactive online form for the purpose of submitting proof of payment, and inform enrollees of their options under this section annually.
(F). Annually at enrollment or renewal, a carrier shall provide notice to enrollees in plan benefit material and on their website of the availability of the program with a description of how they may utilize the program.
(G). To ensure maximum enrollee choice but protect health plans, if the enrollee utilizes a discounted cash price option that is above the de-identified minimum negotiated charge, then the health plan shall only give credit toward the enrollee deductible and out-of-pocket responsibility equal to the discounted cash price or de-identified minimum negotiated charge, whichever is lowest.
(I). If a carrier denies a claim submitted by an enrollee pursuant to this act, the carrier must notify the division of insurance and provide supporting evidence for the denial to the enrollee and the division of insurance. An enrollee may appeal any denial of a claim submitted pursuant to this act to the division of insurance within 60 days of such denial. Such appeal shall be adjudicated within 30 days. If the division of insurance determines that the carrier improperly denied a claim, the carrier must pay enrollee’s costs and attorney’s fees associated with the appeal, must accept the filed claim, and must provide cash compensation equal to the amount of the claim to the enrollee.
(J). If a carrier denies more than twenty claims in one quarter under this act, the division of insurance shall notify the office of the attorney general. The Attorney General shall have authority to investigate any unfair trade practices in denying claims under this act. Should the Attorney General find that the carrier is wrongly denying claims under this act on an unreasonable basis, the Attorney General’s office may prosecute improper denials as an unfair trade practice under chapter 93A."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-428
EHS 428
Maternal Mortality Review Committee Records
Ms. Lovely, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-
“SECTION XX. Paragraph (1) of subsection (d) of section 24O of chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after the words “department of children and families” the following words:- ; the assistant secretary for MassHealth, or their designee.
SECTION XY. Said section 24O of said chapter 111 is hereby further amended by adding the following subsection:-
(f) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, upon the determination of the committee’s chair that the review of any information or record is necessary to carry out the purpose of this section, the committee shall request and the relevant offices and agencies shall provide requested records or information from any agency, department or office of the commonwealth including, but not limited to: (i) the executive office of health and human services and its constituent agencies; (ii) the executive office of public safety and security; (iii) the center for health information and analysis; (iv) the office of patient protection; (v) the chief justice of the trial court; (vii) any health care facility, state comprehensive health planning agency or acute-care hospital as defined in section 25B; (viii) and any health care provider or professional licensed pursuant to chapter 112. The committee may receive and solicit voluntary information, including oral or written statements relating to any case that may come before the committee from any public or private entity and any person including, but not limited to, a patient in a case of maternal morbidity.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-431
EHS 431
Services for Children & Families
Mr. Barrett, Ms. Rausch and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0038, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Inc.’s Center for Early Relationship Support, including to support the Fragile Beginnings program, Project Newborns Exposed to Substances: Support and Therapy and related clinical and community services for vulnerable families with children from birth to age 5, inclusive”; and by striking out the figure “$373,873,635” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “374,373,635”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-433
EHS 433
Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 8000-0313, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $75,000 be expended to the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad for out of hospital advanced life support care to communities in Western Massachusetts”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-433-R1
Redraft EHS 433
Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Inc. to provide out of hospital advanced life support care to communities in western Massachusetts”; and by striking out the figure “$146,849,925” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$146,924,925”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-434-R1
Redraft EHS 434
Pre-Trial Residential: Level funding for the Detention Diversion Advocacy Program
Messrs. Barrett and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of youth services shall expend not less than $600,000 for the detention diversion advocacy program coordinated by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Inc. to prevent high-risk juveniles presenting before the court from penetrating further into the juvenile justice system”; and by striking out the figure “$30,852,183” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$31,452,183”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-434
EHS 434
Pre-Trial Residential: Level funding for the Detention Diversion Advocacy Program
Messrs. Barrett and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $600,000 for the detention diversion advocacy program coordinated by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Inc. to prevent high-risk juveniles presenting before the court from penetrating further into the juvenile justice system”; and by striking out the figure “$30,852,183” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$31,452,183”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-435
EHS 435
Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
Messrs. Mark, Gomez, Oliveira and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $50,000 shall be provided to the United Way of Pioneer Valley for the purposes of housing stability and homelessness prevention”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-435-R1
Redraft EHS 435
Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
Messrs. Mark, Gomez, Oliveira and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0099, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $50,000 shall be provided to the Center for Human Development for a grant to an organization coordinating homelessness prevention efforts across the four western counties”; and by striking out the figure “$15,681,798” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$15,731,798”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-436
EHS 436
ABCD Family Planning Partnership
Ms. Miranda, Mr. Gomez and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1005, by inserting after the word, "funding," in line 14, the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $1,600,000 shall be expended to Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. to continue services previously funded by Title X funding”; and by striking out the figure $25,126,268 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $26,726,268.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-437
EHS 437
Braintree Town Hall Military and War Memorials
Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-1616, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that $400,000 shall be expended for the refurbishment and maintenance for the Braintree Town Hall Green military veteran and war memorials located in the city known as the town of Braintree"; and by striking out the figure "$250,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$650,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-437-R1
Redraft EHS 437
Braintree Town Hall Military and War Memorials
Messrs. Timilty and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-1616, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the refurbishment and maintenance of the Braintree Town Hall Green military veteran and war memorials located in the city known as the town of Braintree"; and by striking out the figure "$250,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-438
EHS 438
Disabled Persons Protection Commission
Messrs. Barrett, Cronin and Eldridge, Ms. Moran and Messrs. O'Connor and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1107-2501, by striking out the figure “$11,894,570” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,150,933”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-440
EHS 440
Self Esteem Boston
Messrs. Rush, Cronin and Gomez, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Keenan, Velis, Crighton, Payano and Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended for Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute Inc.’s direct service and provider training programs" ;and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$275,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-442
EHS 442
Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
Mr. Rush, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by adding the following words:-“; provided further, that the department shall award not less than $250,000 to the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston”; and by striking out the figure “$7,700,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,950,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-444
EHS 444
Norwood Hospital
Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the executive office and its agencies are authorized to approve the sale or lease of Norwood Hospital in the Town of Norwood, by Medical Properties Trust, Inc. to a high-quality hospital service corporation as defined under chapter 176A of the General Laws that is currently licensed in the Commonwealth under section 51 of chapter 111 of the General Laws”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-445
EHS 445
AdMeTech
Mr. Rush, Ms. Creem, Messrs. Eldridge, Fattman, Moore, Brady, Cronin, Feeney and Timilty, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Lewis, Oliveira and Keenan, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Gomez, Crighton, Velis and Durant, Ms. Moran, Messrs. Collins, Tarr, Payano and O'Connor, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0925, by striking the figure “$1,000,000” in inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,250,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-446
EHS 446
DPH Airplane Noise Study
Messrs. Timilty and Eldridge, Ms. Edwards and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following section:-
"SECTION XX. The Department of Public Health shall commission a study of the health and noise impacts of airplane flights directed to and from the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport on residents of communities that are represented on the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee.
The study shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the health and noise impacts of airplane flights on such residents who are exposed to conditions related to noise and air pollution emanating from airplane flights, including asthma exacerbation, sleep disturbance, stress and elevated blood pressure; provided, that the study shall particularly consider the health impacts on residents living partly or wholly beneath the flight paths most frequently used by aircraft flying, including landing or during takeoff, at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
The department shall submit a report detailing the findings of its study to the clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Joint Committee on Public Health and the Senate and House committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2024.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-447
EHS 447
Norfolk Plymouth Bristol Substance Misuse Coalitions
Messrs. Timilty and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that $105,000 shall be expended in equal amounts to the following substance abuse coalitions and community partnerships: (i) Braintree Community Partnership on Substance Abuse; (ii) Bridging L.I.V.E.S.; (iii) Easton Wings of Hope; (iv) EB Hope; (v) Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; (vi) Healthy Empowered Youth Randolph; (vii) Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$205,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-447-R1
Redraft EHS 447
Norfolk Plymouth Bristol Substance Misuse Coalitions
Messrs. Timilty and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $105,000 shall be expended in equal amounts to the following substance abuse coalitions and community partnerships: (i) Braintree Community Partnership on Substance Abuse; (ii) Bridging L.I.V.E.S.; (iii) Easton Wings of Hope; (iv) EB Hope; (v) Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition; (vi) Healthy Empowered Youth Randolph; (vii) Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$205,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-448
EHS 448
Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc. in the city of Waltham to sustain career enhancement programs and paid internships”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-448-R1
Redraft EHS 448
Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc. in the city of Waltham to sustain career enhancement programs and to support its continued operation”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-449
EHS 449
Primary Care Access
Messrs. Brady, Kennedy, Mark, Payano, O'Connor and Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4000-0250, the following item:-
“xxxx-xxxx To address primary care access needs at Massachusetts community health centers; provided, that for the purpose of this section, community health center shall be defined as any entity receiving funding pursuant to 42 U.S.C. section 254(b); provided further, that not less than $75,000,000 shall be expended to community health centers to respond to primary care access needs; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law or regulation to contrary, not later than September 1, 2024 the executive office for administration and finance shall transfer not less than $25,000,000, and may transfer up to $50,000,000 from the amount appropriated in this item to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund established in section 66 of chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided further, that such funds shall be distributed not later than September 30, 2024 by the executive office of health and human services as direct payments to each community health center as defined by this section; provided further, that said funds shall be allocated in direct proportion to the total allowable reimbursable health services amount processed through the Health Safety Net Trust Fund for each such health center during Health Safety Net fiscal year 2017, including any related settlements; provided further, that at least 10 calendar days prior to the expected payment date to each such health center, the executive office of health and human services shall provide a schedule listing the total allowable reimbursable health services amount processed through the Health Safety Net Trust Fund for each such health center in Health Safety Net fiscal year 2017 including any related settlements, each such health center’s percent of the aggregate total allowable reimbursable health services amount processed through the Health Safety Net Trust Fund for all such health centers combined in Health Safety Net fiscal year 2017 including any related settlements, and the proposed payment amount to each such health center; provided further, that funds shall be expended for community health centers receiving grants under 42 U.S.C. section 254(b) to respond to primary care access needs; provided further, that the executive office of health and human services, in consultation with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, Inc., the State’s primary care association qualified under section 330A(f)(2) of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 254c(f)(2), shall develop a methodology for distributing said funds; provided further, that in developing said distribution methodology the executive office may consider factors, including, but not limited to: (i) Medicaid patient share; (ii) financial need; (iii) any other factors deemed necessary by the secretary of health and human services; provided further, that said supplemental payments shall be distributed not later than September 30, 2024 ; and provided further, that the executive office of health and human services shall seek to maximize federal reimbursement on expenditures from this item…………….....……….…….$75,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-451
EHS 451
Randolph Public Health Municipal Vehicle
Messrs. Timilty and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-2022, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that $50,000 shall be expended for the purchase of a new vehicle for the public health department in the city of Randolph"; and by striking out the figure "$12,500,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$12,550,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-452
EHS 452
Minute Man Arc Electric Vehicles
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5911-1003, by adding the following words:- “; provided, that not less than $154,000 shall be expended for the Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc. to purchase two electric passenger vans.”; and by striking out the figure “$117,010,894” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$117,164,894”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-454
EHS 454
Women Veterans
Mr. Velis, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0015, by striking out the figure "$724,739" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$824,739"; and
By inserting after section __ the following section:-
“SECTION ___. Chapter 115 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 15 the following section:-
WOMEN’S VETERANS NETWORK.
Section 16. (a) There shall be within the executive office of veterans' services a women’s veterans network. The office shall: (1) perform outreach to improve women veterans' awareness of eligibility for federal and state veterans' services and benefits; (2) review programs, research projects, and other initiatives designed to address or meet the needs of women veterans; (3) make recommendations to the secretary of veterans’ services to improve benefits and services for women veterans; (4) incorporate women veterans' issues in strategic planning concerning benefits and services; (5) create and distribute women veterans benefits information; and (6) create online resources for women veterans. The office shall employ a women’s veterans coordinator to assist in the programming and outreach to women veterans. Said employee shall work with the executive office of veterans’ services, the women veterans’ network steering committee, and veteran services officers to develop documentation that explains benefits available to women veterans and how to access said benefits. Benefit documents shall be available on the department’s open website and said benefits shall be disseminated to women veterans.
(b) Annually, not later than November 1, the office shall submit a report to the general court on progress made in identification and outreach to women veterans residing in Massachusetts. The report shall include findings relative to, but not limited to: (i) demographics of women veterans identified in Massachusetts; (ii) summation of veteran outreach events designed to connect women veterans; and (iii) documents provided to said veterans. The office shall submit the report to the governor and to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-454-R1
Redraft EHS 454
Women Veterans
Mr. Velis, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Tarr, O'Connor and Pacheco, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 51 the following section:-
“SECTION 51A. Chapter 115 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 17 the following section:-
Section 18. (a) There shall be within the executive office of veterans’ services a women veterans network. The duties of the network shall include, but not be limited to: (i) performing outreach to women veterans; (ii) improving women veterans' awareness of eligibility for federal and state veterans' services and benefits; (iii) holding in-person events for women veterans; (iv) making recommendations to the secretary of veterans’ services to improve benefits and services for women veterans; (v) incorporating women veterans' issues in the strategic planning of the executive office; and (vi) creating and distributing documents detailing benefits and resources available to women veterans, including but not limited to, resources to help women veterans transition to civilian life; provided, however, that such documents shall be made available on the executive office’s website.
(b) The network shall employ a women veterans’ coordinator to assist in the programming and outreach to women veterans, who shall work with the executive office of veterans’ services and veteran services officers to engage women veterans in a geographically equitable manner.
(c) Annually, not later than November 1, the office shall submit a report to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on veterans and federal affairs, which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) demographic information on women veterans in the commonwealth; (ii) summation of veteran outreach events designed to connect women veterans; (iii) women veteran benefits documents created by the network; and (iv) upcoming in-person events organized or identified by the network .”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-456
EHS 456
Equitable Approaches to Public Safety
Messrs. Gomez, Moore, Eldridge and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-2020, by striking out the figures "$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$2,500,000."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-456-R1
Redraft EHS 456
Equitable Approaches to Public Safety
Messrs. Gomez, Moore, Eldridge and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-2020, by inserting after the words “awarded matching funds” the following words:- “, prior appropriation continued”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-457-R1
Redraft EHS 457
Milton Council on Aging Transportation
Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $70,000 shall be expended for the replacement of a wheelchair accessible minivan for the council on aging in the town of Milton"; and by striking out the figure "$28,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$28,070,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-457
EHS 457
Milton Council on Aging Transportation
Mr. Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that $140,000 shall be expended for the replacement of a wheelchair accessible minivan for the council on aging in the town of Milton"; and by striking out the figure "$28,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$28,140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-458
EHS 458
Cliff Effect Pilot Program
Messrs. Gomez, Cronin, Oliveira, Mark and Eldridge, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Velis and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4400-1000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Springfield Works for the continued support of a 3-year Pilot Program to mitigate cliff effects for families from across the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$102,335,936” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$102,435,936.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-458-R1
Redraft EHS 458
Cliff Effect Pilot Program
Messrs. Gomez, Cronin, Oliveira, Mark and Eldridge, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Velis, Payano and Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4400-1000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Springfield WORKS for the continued support of a 3-year pilot program to mitigate cliff effects for families from across the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$102,335,936” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$102,435,936.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-459
EHS 459
ROCA Springfield
Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4401-1000, by adding the following:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Roca, Inc. to provide services to young parents in the city of Springfield who are experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health concerns or domestic violence or abuse and to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, self-sufficiency and cognitive and behavioral skills through intensive case management and wraparound supports"; and by striking out the figure "$18,388,929" and inserting in the place thereof the following figure "$18,638,929".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-460-R1
Redraft EHS 460
Grab and Go Meals
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following:- "; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the grab-and-go meals provided by the council on aging in the town of East Bridgewater”; and by striking out the figure "$28,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ''$28,010,000''.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-460
EHS 460
Grab and Go Meals
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following:- "; provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the grab and go meals for the Council on Aging in the town of East Bridgewater”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ''$110,000''.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-461
EHS 461
Champion Plan
Mr. Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Gándara Mental Health Center, Inc. for The Champion Plan, Inc. within the city of Brockton”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-462-R1
Redraft EHS 462
Baystate Health Center
Messrs. Gomez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Baystate Brightwood Health Center in the city of Springfield to assist in outreach to the neighborhoods served by the center, predominantly in the North End section of the city of Springfield”; and by striking out the figure "$3,948,660" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$3,998,660".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-462
EHS 462
Baystate Health Center
Mr. Gomez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Baystate Brightwood Health Clinic in the city of Springfield to assist in outreach to the neighborhoods served by said center, predominantly in the North End section of the city of Springfield”; and by striking out the figure "$3,498,660" and inserting in place thereof the following figures "$3,998,660".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-463-R1
Redraft EHS 463
Compulsive Gamblers' Treatment Program
Messrs. Keenan, Tarr, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0225, by inserting after the words "General Fund" the following words:- "; provided further, that not later than March 3, 2025, the department shall submit a report to the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, the joint committee on public health and the house and senate committee on ways and means detailing the: (i) number of participants in the compulsive gamblers' treatment program; (ii) demographic data of the participants in the program; (iii) reasons participants joined the program; and (iv) outcomes of participants in the program; and provided further, that all personal identifiable information published in said report shall be deidentified".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-463
EHS 463
Compulsive Gamblers' Treatment Program
Messrs. Keenan, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0225, by inserting after the words "General Fund;" the following words:- " provided further, that not later than March 3, 2025, the department shall submit a report to the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, the joint committee on public health and the house and senate committee on ways and means on the: (i) number of participants in the program; (ii) demographic data of the participants in the program; (iii) reasons participants joined the program, including, but not limited to, financial problems, mental health problems, relationship problems, work/school problems, physical health problems and crimes, including, but not limited to, violent, property, DUIs and illegal gambling; and (iv) outcomes of participants in the program;".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-464
EHS 464
REquipment Durable Medical Equipment/Assistive Technology Reuse program
Messrs. Brady, Moore, Eldridge and Oliveira, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Gomez and Rush, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Mark, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Tarr, Velis, O'Connor, Timilty, Crighton, Cronin and Payano and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-4000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Requipment Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Assistive Technology (AT) Reuse Program, Inc.”; and by striking out the figure “$13,895,864” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,395,864”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-465
EHS 465
Gambling-Related Suicides
Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1026, by inserting after the word "affairs" the following words:- "; provided further, that funds shall be expended for a program to address suicide attempts, suicides and self-harm among gamblers".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-466
EHS 466
Randolph Social Worker
Messrs. Timilty and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that $100,000 shall be expended for the continuation of a full-time community social worker in the city of Randolph"; and by striking out the figure "$7,700,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$7,800,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-467
EHS 467
Tobacco Cessation and Prevention
Mr. Keenan, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor and Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by striking out the figure “$6,234,753” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$6,719,468”; and by striking out the figure “$12,836,406” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$13,321,121”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-469
EHS 469
Alzheimer's Awareness Campaign
Messrs. Gomez, Oliveira, Lewis, Keenan, Tarr, O'Connor and Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by adding the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a grant to a statewide Alzheimer’s disease advocacy and education organization for a public awareness and education campaign as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention”; and by striking the figure “$12,836,406” and inserting in place thereof the figures: “$13,086,406”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-471
EHS 471
Certified Sober Homes Sprinklers
Messrs. Keenan, Velis, Timilty and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended on grants to certified sober homes for fire sprinklers installed in accordance with the state building code”; and by striking out the figure “$197,928,851” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$198,928,851”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-472
EHS 472
Volunteers of America
Messrs. Keenan, O'Connor and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to Volunteers of America of Massachusetts, Inc. to address the crisis of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders through expansion of clinical services and programming for men in recovery with co-occurring diagnoses at Hello House"; and by striking the figure "$197,928,851" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "198,128,851".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-476
EHS 476
Immigrant Family Services Institute
Mr. Brady and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that $5,000,000 shall be expended for the Immigrant Family Services Institute for statewide support of migrant resettlement” and by striking out the figure "$1,295,460" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,295,460”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-477
EHS 477
Quincy College Nursing
Mr. Keenan, Ms. Moran and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0020, by inserting before the words "provided further, that not later than March 7" the following words:- "provided further, that not less than $100,000 of said funds shall be expended to Quincy College to develop and implement innovative strategies to increase the nursing and allied health workforce pipeline;".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-479
EHS 479
Pilot Program for small business group purchasing cooperatives
Messrs. Tarr and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION_. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the division of insurance shall develop a 3-year pilot program to permit at least 1 but no more than 6 small business group purchasing cooperatives, as defined in section 1 of chapter 176J of the General Laws, to be considered a large employer for the purposes of accessing affordable health insurance coverage options. The total number of covered lives for all approved group purchasing cooperatives, in the aggregate, participating in this pilot program shall not exceed 85,000 covered lives. The division shall develop guidelines that shall include but not be limited to: (i) ways to reduce premiums for members of small business group purchasing cooperatives and their employees; (ii) any waiver of statutory or regulatory requirements to effectuate the pilot program; and (iii) requirements for small business group purchasing cooperative participatory wellness programming. The pilot program shall be implemented no later than 1 year from the effective date of this act.
Not later than 6 months after the conclusion of the pilot program, the division of insurance shall issue a report including but not limited to the following information: (i) the number of persons covered under this option for each year of the pilot program; (ii) the availability of coverage offered over the span of the pilot program; (iii) an analysis of impact that the pilot program has on the affordability of health coverage for the participating members and their employees and whether there is any demonstrable impact on the merged market; and (iv) recommendations regarding making the pilot program permanent."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-480
EHS 480
Medicaid Rate Add On
Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0641, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, the executive office of health and human services shall establish a Medicaid rate add on program to recognize additional allowable costs to the Standard Base Rate for nursing facilities located within 5 miles of a Medicare-certified Critical Access Hospital situated at 71 Hospital Avenue, North Adams, Massachusetts, as approved by the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Public Health Council on December 13, 2023”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-481
EHS 481
Behavioral Health Hospital Support
Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-
“SECTION ___. Section 1 of chapter 175 of the General Laws, as amended by chapter 177 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Domestic company” the following definition:-
“Emergency services programs”, all programs subject to contract between the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership and provider organizations for the provision of acute care hospital and community-based emergency behavioral health services, including, but not limited to, behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention and stabilization services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, through: (i) mobile crisis intervention services for youth; (ii) mobile crisis intervention services for adults; (iii) emergency service provider community-based locations; (iv) emergency departments of acute care hospitals or satellite emergency facilities; (v) adult community crisis stabilization services; and (vi) youth community crisis stabilization services.
SECTION ___. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the division of insurance, in consultation with the division of medical assistance, shall promulgate regulations or issue sub-regulatory guidance, within 30 days of the effective date of this act, to require carriers reimburse acute care hospitals with emergency departments or satellite emergency facilities for the provision of emergency behavioral health services, including but not limited to, behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services. The regulations or sub-regulatory guidance shall include reimbursement for the provision of emergency behavioral services via telemedicine, electronic or telephonic consultation, in accordance with section 51 ¾ of chapter 111 of the General Laws. The contractual rate for these services may be no less than the prevailing MassHealth rate for behavioral health emergency department crisis evaluations. This does not preclude a hospital from billing for other medically necessary services traditionally reimbursed through an emergency department visit and is also in addition to required reimbursement by carriers for each day a member waits in an emergency department, observation unit or inpatient floor for placement in an appropriate inpatient psychiatric placement, as required by section 78 of chapter 177 of the acts of 2022. The insurer shall reimburse other medically necessary services and for patients awaiting an inpatient psychiatric placement in addition to payment for emergency behavioral health services. Behavioral health services provided in this setting under this section shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization by an insurer."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-482-R2
2nd Redraft EHS 482
Mobile Health Program
Messrs. Payano and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:-“; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Inc. to expand and sustain its Mobile Health Program in communities throughout the Merrimack Valley"; and by striking out the figure "$3,948,660" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$4,198,600".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-482
EHS 482
Mobile Health Program
Messrs. Payano and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0700, by adding the following words:-“; provided further, that $250,000 shall be expended to expand and sustain the Mobile Health Program in communities throughout the Merrimack Valley"; and by striking out the figure "$4,210,001,231" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$4,210,251,231".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-482-R1
Redraft EHS 482
Mobile Health Program
Messrs. Payano and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:-“; provided further, that $250,000 shall be expended to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Inc. to expand and sustain its Mobile Health Program in communities throughout the Merrimack valley"; and by striking out the figure "$3,948,660" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$4,198,600".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-483
EHS 483
Applied Behavior Analysis Training Pilot Program
Mr. Keenan, Ms. Moran and Messrs. O'Connor, Timilty and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5920-2025, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts to create a pilot program to run from September 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025 to provide training in Applied Behavior Analysis for staff who work in the department of developmental services or MassHealth Day Programs, to better equip staff serving adults with complex behavioral challenges; provided further, that not later than May 1, 2025, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts shall submit a report on the results of the program to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities; provided further, that such report shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the number of individuals who received training; (2) the cost of services per individual; and (3) aggregated benefits to individuals associated with applied behavior analysis services; provided further, that the commissioner of developmental services may transfer such funds from this item"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-483-R1
Redraft EHS 483
Applied Behavior Analysis Training Pilot Program
Mr. Keenan, Ms. Moran and Messrs. O'Connor, Timilty, Moore, Cronin, Payano and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts for a 6-month pilot program to provide workforce training in applied behavior analysis for department of developmental services and MassHealth day programs to train staff serving adults with complex behavioral needs; provided further, that not later than May 1, 2025, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities detailing: (i) the number of individuals who received training under said pilot program; (ii) the cost of services to individuals provided by staff who participated in said pilot program; and (iii) aggregated benefits to individuals served by staff who participated in said pilot program”; and by striking out the figure "$146,849,925" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$146,949,925”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-484
EHS 484
Equitable Behavioral Health Crisis Evaluations
Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5047-0001, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that $5,000,000 shall be expended to cover behavioral health crisis evaluations in acute care hospitals provided to uninsured patients and to Medicare-only patients”; and by striking out the figure “$22,371,962” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$27,371,962”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-485
EHS 485
North Shore Community Health Center
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1604, by inserting after the word "areas", the following:
", provided further that not less than $300,000 shall be granted to Northshore Community Health Center for costs associated with El Centro project"; and by striking out the figure “$146,849,925” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$147,149,925”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-485-R1
Redraft EHS 485
North Shore Community Health Center
Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1604, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to North Shore Community Health Center for costs associated with El Centro project"; and by striking out the figure “$11,369,484” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,519,484”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-486
EHS 486
Massachusetts Access to Recovery Program
Messrs. Keenan, Eldridge, Gomez, Payano, Collins, O'Connor and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by striking out the figure "$3,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$4,000,000"; and by striking out the figure "$197,928,851" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$198,928,851".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-487-R1
Redraft EHS 487
Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE)
Mr. Keenan, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Lewis, Brady, Feeney and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Moran and Messrs. Payano, O'Connor, Moore, Cyr and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1455, by striking out the figure "$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$2,000,000"; and by striking out the figure "$19,757,247" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$20,757,247".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-487
EHS 487
Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE)
Mr. Keenan, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Lewis, Brady, Feeney and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Gomez, Ms. Moran and Messrs. Payano, O'Connor and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1455, by striking out the figure "$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$3,000,000"; and by striking out the figure "$19,757,247" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$21,757,247".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-490
EHS 490
HIV/AIDS
Messrs. Cyr and Gomez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0103, by striking out the figure “$29,398,197” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “35,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-490-R1
Redraft EHS 490
HIV/AIDS
Messrs. Cyr, Gomez, Velis, O'Connor and Tarr, Ms. Lovely and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0103, by striking out the figure “$29,398,197” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$30,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-491
EHS 491
Manet Community Health
Messrs. Feeney and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 will be made available to Manet Community Health Center for the purchase of acquiring and installing an EPIC Health records system"; and by striking out the figure "$3,948,660" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$3,998,660".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-491-R1
Redraft EHS 491
Manet Community Health
Messrs. Feeney, O'Connor and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be made available to Manet Community Health Center, Incorporated for the purchase and installation of an electronic health records system"; and by striking out the figure "$3,948,660" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$4,048,660".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-492
EHS 492
Assisting Cancer Patients and Families Facing Financial Hardships
Messrs. Feeney and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $18,000 shall be expended for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation in North Attleborough to provide assistance to individuals of all ages and their families experiencing emotional and financial hardships due to cancer diagnosis allowing them to focus on their recovery not financial challenges”; and by striking out the figure “$12,836,406” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,854,406”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-492-R1
Redraft EHS 492
Assisting Cancer Patients and Families Facing Financial Hardships
Messrs. Feeney and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $18,000 shall be expended for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation Inc. in the city of North Attleborough to provide assistance to individuals of all ages and their families experiencing emotional and financial hardships due to cancer diagnosis”; and by striking out the figure “$12,836,406” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,854,406”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-493-R1
Redraft EHS 493
Local Substance Use Coalitions
Messrs. Feeney and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended in equal amounts to the following substance abuse coalitions and community partnerships: (i) Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse; (ii) Sharon Substance Prevention and Resource Coalition; and (iii) Norton Opioid Prevention and Education Collaborative"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$145,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-493
EHS 493
Local Substance Use Coalitions
Messrs. Feeney and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $45,000 shall be expended in equal amounts to the following substance abuse coalitions and community partnerships: (i) Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse; (ii) Sharon Substance Prevention and Resource Coalition; and (iii) Norton Opioid Prevention and Education Collaborative N.O.P.E."; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$145,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-496
EHS 496
Work Inc.
Messrs. Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-2000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for Work, Inc. to develop and fund an outcomes-based pilot contract measuring and funding service that will result in employment and wages for individuals with disabilities", and by striking out the figure "$26,191,382" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$26,691,382".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-497
EHS 497
Community Health Centers
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Mark and Payano, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. O'Connor, Brady, Collins, Velis, Cronin and Gomez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by striking out the figure “$250,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$500,000”; and by striking the figure “$3,984,500” and inserting in place thereof the following figure : - “$5,635,840”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-497-R1
Redraft EHS 497
Community Health Centers
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Mark and Payano, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. O'Connor, Brady, Collins, Velis, Cronin and Gomez and Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by striking out the figure “$250,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$500,000”; and by striking the figure “$3,948,660” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,600,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-498
EHS 498
Hearth Inc
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1604, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $250,000 shall be granted to Hearth, Inc. for upgrades and other improvements, including those necessary for the operation of facilities operated by Hearth Inc. in the city of Boston"; and by striking out the figure "$11,369,484" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$11,619,484".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-499-R1
Redraft EHS 499
Camp Harbor View Foundation Inc.
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Camp Harbor View Foundation, Inc. to provide programming and family services at Camp Harbor View and its leadership academy”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place the following figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-499
EHS 499
Camp Harbor View Foundation Inc.
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Camp Harbor View Foundation, Inc. to provide programming and family services at Camp Harbor View and its leadership academy”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place the following figure:- “$600,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-500
EHS 500
Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association
Messrs. Collins, Feeney and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0009, by inserting after the words “obligations of the office”, in line 4, the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Disease Association”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figures “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-501
EHS 501
PACE/ Elder Service Plan Workforce & Infrastructure
Messrs. Collins and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0601, by inserting after the word "item", in line 50, the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to Harbor Health Services for the operation of its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) day centers in Mattapan, Brockton and in any of the communities for which Harbor Health Services has been contracted to help meet the Commonwealth's PACE expansion goals"; and by striking out the figure "$4,615,139,945" and inserting in place thereof the following "$4,615,289,945".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-502
EHS 502
Geiger Gibson Dental Services
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by inserting after the word "services", in line 1, the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $125,000 shall be expended for infrastructure and operational upgrades related to expanding access to dental care services at the Geiger Gibson Community Health Center in the Dorchester section of the city of Boston"; and by striking out the figure "$3,948,660" and inserting in place thereof the following figure "$4,073,660".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-503
EHS 503
Harbor Health
Mr. Collins moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting after the word “services”, in line 2, the following words:- “; provided further that no less than $250,000 shall be expended to Harbor Health Services for a grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioid and related substances”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-505
EHS 505
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
Messrs. Collins, Keenan, Gomez, O'Connor and Tarr and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1098, by striking out item 4513-1098 and inserting in place thereof the following item:-
“4513-1098 For the provision of statewide support services for survivors of homicide victims, including outreach services, burial assistance, grief counseling and other support services; provided, that funds shall be expended as grants in the aggregate amount of not less than $400,000 to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Corporation, a community-based support organization dedicated to serving families and communities impacted by violence; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Survivors Say, Inc. for direct support services to survivors and victims of both high-profile tragedies and other traumas and crimes; and provided further, that the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Corporation shall establish and administer a process to distribute not less than $100,000 to the Massachusetts Survivors of Homicide Victims Network organizations throughout the commonwealth in the form of grants....................$600,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-507
EHS 507
School Nurse Liaison Project
Messrs. Feeney, Tarr, O'Connor, Timilty and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0250, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the School Nurse Liaison Project to support student mental health by providing education, training, and consultation support to public and nonpublic schools"; and by striking out the figure "$26,066,196" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$26,216,196".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-508
EHS 508
Dignity Alliance Proposed
Messrs. Collins and Brady, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following section: -
“SECTION XX.
SECTION 1. Section 1 of chapter 117A of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
Effective July 1, 2025, any person eligible for assistance under this chapter who is not maintaining his home and is receiving care in or residing in a licensed nursing facility, licensed chronic hospital, licensed rest home, or an approved public medical institution as defined in section 8 of chapter 118E, shall retain the first $100.00 of his monthly income for clothing, personal needs, and leisure activities. If there is no such income or if it is less than the amount of $100.00, such a person shall be paid monthly in advance the difference between such income and said amount. Said amount shall be increased annually each fiscal year at the same time and at the same percentage rate as increases payable to an individual who maintains his own home and receives state supplementary payments pursuant to sections 1 and 2 of chapter 118A.
SECTION 2. Chapter 118A of General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 7A the following new section:-
Section 7B. Effective July 1, 2025, any person eligible for financial assistance under this chapter who is not maintaining his home and is in a licensed medical facility which is eligible for medical assistance payments pursuant to chapter 118E or is residing in a licensed rest home to which such person pays a fixed rate, shall retain the first $100.00 of his monthly income for clothing, personal needs, and leisure time activities. If there is no such income or if it is less than the amount of $100.00, such a person shall be paid monthly in advance the difference between such income and said amount. Said amount shall be increased annually each fiscal year at the same time and at the same percentage rate as increases payable to an individual who maintains his own home and receives state supplementary payments pursuant to sections 1 and 2 of this chapter.
SECTION 3. Section 15 of chapter 118E of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking the fourth paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
A person eligible for medical assistance under this chapter who is not maintaining his own home and is receiving care in a licensed nursing facility, a licensed chronic hospital, a licensed rest home, an approved public medical institution, or a public psychiatric institution shall retain the first $100.00 of his monthly income for clothing, personal needs, and leisure time activities. If there is no such income or if it is less than the amount of $100.00, such a person shall be paid monthly in advance the difference between such income and said amount. Said amount shall be increased annually each fiscal year at the same time and at the same percentage rate as increases payable to an individual who is maintaining his own home and who is receiving supplemental payments pursuant to sections 1 and 2 of chapter 118A."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-509-R1
Redraft EHS 509
YWCAs
Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Moore and Gomez, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny, Finegold, Velis and Payano, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Tarr, Oliveira and O'Connor, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Pacheco and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$650,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,000,000”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$7,700,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,050,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-509
EHS 509
YWCAs
Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Moore and Gomez, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny, Finegold, Velis and Payano, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Tarr, Oliveira and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$650,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,000,000”; and in said item by striking out the figure "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,550,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-510
EHS 510
Foster Care Psychiatric Consultation Pilot
Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Mark and Gomez, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. O'Connor, Moore, Payano and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended for the foster child evaluation services clinic at the University of Massachusetts medical school to pilot a model of trauma-informed psychiatric consultation for children in foster care"; and by striking out the figure “$130,540,885” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,890,885”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-511
EHS 511
LGBTQ Homeless Youth
Messrs. Cyr, Eldridge, Gomez, O'Connor and Payano, Ms. Moran and Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0005, by inserting after the words “as determined by the executive office of health and human services” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to BAGLY, Inc. to provide innovative job training and wraparound support to LGBTQ+ homeless youth"; and in said item, by striking the figure “$13,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the figure “$13,250,000”.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-513
EHS 513
New England MedFlight
Messrs. Cyr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for the critical care operations of New England Life Flight, Inc."; and by striking out the figure "$146,849,925" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$146,999,925".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-515
EHS 515
Youth at Risk
Messrs. Cyr and Eldridge, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gomez, Payano, Collins, O'Connor, Lewis, Cronin and Velis and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figures “$2,550,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$3,050,000”; and by striking out the figures “$7,700,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$8,200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-517
EHS 517
Trans Emergency Fund
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts, Inc., for efforts and programming including, but not limited to, supports for housing insecure and homeless individuals"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-519
EHS 519
Unified Recovery & Monitoring Program
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0721, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program to support the health, well-being and recovery of health care providers; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for the operation and administration of Physician Health Services, Inc. to support the health, well-being and recovery of physicians and medical students”; and by striking the figure “$3,322,326” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “4,322,326”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-519-R1
Redraft EHS 519
Unified Recovery & Monitoring Program
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0710, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program to support the health, well-being and recovery of health care providers; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the operation and administration of Physician Health Services, Inc. to support the health, well-being and recovery of physicians and medical students”; and by striking out the figure “$18,414,955” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$18,914,955”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-520
EHS 520
PFAS
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Eldridge, Tarr, O'Connor and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0600, by inserting after the word “cancer,” the following words:- “assessment of potential health impacts of exposure to per- and polyfluoralkyl substances,"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-520-R1
Redraft EHS 520
PFAS
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Eldridge, Tarr, O'Connor and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0600, by inserting after the word “cancer,” the following words:- “assessment of potential health impacts of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-521
EHS 521
Off-Island Medical Transport
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that funds shall be expended to the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for off-island medical transportation, including the transportation of patients with behavioral health conditions.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-522
EHS 522
Senior FarmShare Program
Messrs. Oliveira, Brady and Gomez, Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Mark, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1900, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the senior farm share program”; and by striking out the figure “$11,807,218” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ”$11,907,218”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-524
EHS 524
Villages of the Berkshires
Messrs. Mark and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- “; provided further that no less than $25,000 be expended to the Villages of the Berkshires, Inc."; and by striking out the figure “$28,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$28,025,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-526
EHS 526
LGBTQ Aging Commission
Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Brady, Lewis, Tarr, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project of Fenway Health to support the permanent commission on older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults and their caregivers established in section 71 of chapter 3 of the General Laws"; and by striking out the figures "$5,636,892" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$5,711,892".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-527
EHS 527
Dementia Care Coordination
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Brady, Lewis and Gomez, Ms. Moran and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended for the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter, to expand access to and administer an evidence-based program, Dementia Care Coordination, DCC, in order to reduce hospitalizations, emergency department visits and delay long-term care placements; and by striking the figure “$236,582,945 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$236,882,945”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-527-R1
Redraft EHS 527
Dementia Care Coordination
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Brady, Lewis and Gomez, Ms. Moran, Messrs. O'Connor, Cronin, Tarr and Cyr, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Pacheco and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended to the Massachusetts chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to administer and expand access to its evidence-based dementia care coordination program in order to reduce hospitalizations and emergency department visits and delay long-term care placements; and by striking the figure “$236,582,945 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$236,882,945”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-528-R1
Redraft EHS 528
School-Based Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center
Messrs. Velis, Keenan, Lewis, Gomez and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor and Timilty moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Behavioral Health Integrated Resources For Children Project at the University of Massachusetts at Boston Project for the operation of its school-based behavioral health technical assistance center”; and by striking out the figure "$130,540,885" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$131,040,885".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-528-R2
2nd Redraft EHS 528
School-Based Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center
Messrs. Velis, Keenan, Lewis, Gomez and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Crighton, Cronin, Payano and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Behavioral Health Integrated Resources For Children Project at the University of Massachusetts at Boston for the operation of its school-based behavioral health technical assistance center”; and by striking out the figure "$130,540,885" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$131,040,885".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-528
EHS 528
School-Based Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center
Messrs. Velis, Keenan, Lewis, Gomez and Eldridge and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be allocated to the BIRCh Center to continue the operations of the school-based behavioral health technical assistance center”; and by striking out the figure "$130,540,885" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$131,040,885".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-530
EHS 530
Lynnfield Mental Health and Substance Abuse Education
Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Lynnfield Department of Public Health for mental health and substance abuse education and programming in the town of Lynnfield”, and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-534
EHS 534
Continue Funding to Replace Stolen Nutrition Benefits
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:- “SECTION __. Item 4400-1031 of section 2 of chapter 77 of the acts of 2023 is hereby amended by inserting after the words “federal supplemental nutrition assistance program” the words “or summer electronic benefits for children program”; and is further amended by deleting the words “June 30, 2024” and inserting in place thereof the words “June 30, 2025”; and is further amended by deleting the words “July 31, 2024” and inserting in place thereof the words “July 31, 2025”; and is further amended by adding at the end thereof the following words: -- "and such funds shall be made available until August 1, 2025.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-534-R1
Redraft EHS 534
Continue Funding to Replace Stolen Nutrition Benefits
Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 74 the following section:-
“SECTION 74A. Section 2A of chapter 77 of the acts of 2023 is hereby amended by striking out item 4400-1031 and inserting in place thereof the following item:-
4400-1031 For reimbursement to clients who have had their federal supplemental nutrition assistance program or summer electronic benefits for children program payments stolen through electronic benefit transfer card skimming, card cloning and other similar fraudulent methods, including organized identity theft schemes during the period of October 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025, inclusive, to the extent that federal funds will not cover the cost of reimbursement; provided, that claims for such reimbursement must be verified by the department of transitional assistance and must be reported to or identified by the department not later than July 31, 2025; and provided further, that the funds appropriated in this item shall not revert to the General Fund but shall be made available for these purposes through September 1, 2025………………$1,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-536
EHS 536
RFK DDAP
Messrs. Cronin and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0200, by adding at the end thereof the following words:- “; provided, that the department of youth services shall expend not less than $600,000 for the detention diversion advocacy program coordinated by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, Inc. to prevent high-risk juveniles presenting before the court from penetrating further into the juvenile justice system”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-537
EHS 537
Permissible Use Standards for Home Care Agencies
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Cronin, Eldridge, Brady and Lewis, Ms. Moran, Messrs. Payano, Gomez and Mark, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Moore, Feeney, Finegold and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-6903, by inserting after the words “any human service provider receiving revenue under said Chapter 257” the following:-“, and any home care agency subcontracting with such human service providers to provide home care services to enrollees of the elder home care program”; and by inserting after the words “hiring and retention bonuses or recruitment, as defined by the executive office” the following:- “provided further that the executive office of elder affairs shall, by no later than October 1, 2024, develop and issue comprehensive guidelines to said subcontracting home care agencies and to said human service providers contracting with those agencies that include quarterly reporting requirements and other enforcement standards for home care agency compliance with such 75 per cent permissible use standard; provided further the executive office of elder affairs shall regularly audit said quarterly reports to confirm home care agency compliance with such 75 per cent permissible use standard;”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-537-R1
Redraft EHS 537
Permissible Use Standards for Home Care Agencies
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Cronin, Eldridge, Brady and Lewis, Ms. Moran, Messrs. Payano, Gomez and Mark, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Moore, Feeney, Finegold, Montigny, Cyr and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by inserting after the word “office”, the second time it appears, the following words:-“; provided further, that any home care agency subcontracting with an aging service access point to provide home care services to an enrollee in the elder home care program shall use not less than 75 per cent of received rate funding for such services for the compensation of their direct care, frontline and medical and clinical staff; provided further, that the executive office of elder affairs shall, not later than October 1, 2024, develop and issue comprehensive guidelines to the aging service access points and subcontracting home care agencies providing services under the elder home care program that include annual reporting requirements and strong enforcement standards for the 75 per cent permissible use standard; provided further, that the executive office of elder affairs shall annually audit the annual reports to confirm compliance with the 75 per cent permissible use standard and to further the executive office’s enforcement of that standard”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-537-R2
2nd Redraft EHS 537
Permissible Use Standards for Home Care Agencies
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Cronin, Eldridge, Brady and Lewis, Ms. Moran, Messrs. Payano, Gomez and Mark, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Moore, Feeney, Finegold, Montigny and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, by inserting after the word “office”, the second time it appears, the following words:-“; provided further, that any home care agency subcontracting with an aging service access point to provide home care services to an enrollee in the elder home care program shall use not less than 75 per cent of received rate funding for such services for the compensation of their direct care, frontline and medical and clinical staff, which may include, but shall not be limited to, hourly rate increases, wraparound benefits, shift differentials, overtime, hiring and retention bonuses or recruitment, as defined by the executive office; provided further, that the executive office of elder affairs shall, not later than October 1, 2024, develop and issue comprehensive guidelines to the aging service access points and subcontracting home care agencies providing services under the elder home care program that include annual reporting requirements and strong enforcement standards for the 75 per cent permissible use standard; provided further, that the executive office of elder affairs shall annually audit the annual reports to confirm compliance with the 75 per cent permissible use standard and to further the executive office’s enforcement of that standard”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-540
EHS 540
High Acuity Kids in DCF Care
Ms. Kennedy and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0041, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of children and families, in coordination with the office of the child advocate, no later than 60 days from the passage of this act shall develop and implement a plan for a program to use evidence-based program models in department of children and families congregate care provider programs for youth that are in the department’s care and who: (i) are experiencing an intensive behavioral or a behavioral and medical crisis; (ii) are being housed in emergency departments or inpatient units; and (iii) cannot safely receive treatment in the existing congregate programs; provided further, that the plan to be filed within 30 days of the passage of this act for said program shall detail: (a) the proposed structure, size and scope; (b) any statutory or logistical challenges for implementation; and (c) a funding plan, including a breakdown of potential costs; provided further, that annually the department shall issue a report on the design and implementation of the program to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the executive office for administration and finance, the executive office of health and human services and the office of the child advocate.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-540-R1
Redraft EHS 540
High Acuity Kids in DCF Care
Ms. Kennedy and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4800-0041, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of children and families, in coordination with the office of the child advocate, shall develop and implement a plan for a pilot program to use evidence-based program models in department of children and families congregate care provider programs for youth that are in the department’s care and who: (i) are experiencing an intensive behavioral or a behavioral and medical crisis; (ii) are being housed in emergency departments or inpatient units; and (iii) cannot safely receive treatment in the existing congregate programs; provided further, that the plan for the pilot program shall detail: (a) the proposed structure, size and scope of the proposed program; (b) any statutory or logistical challenges for implementation of the proposed program; and (c) a funding plan for the proposed program, including a breakdown of potential costs; provided further, that not later than September 30, 2024, the department shall issue a report on the design and implementation of the program to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the executive office for administration and finance, the executive office of health and human services and the office of the child advocate”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-541
EHS 541
Bridge Recovery Center in Malden
Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Malden Overcoming Addiction, Inc. for capital improvements to the Bridge Recovery Center in the city of Malden".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-541-R1
Redraft EHS 541
Bridge Recovery Center in Malden
Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Malden Overcoming Addiction, Inc. for capital improvements to the Bridge Recovery Center in the city of Malden"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-542
EHS 542
EMS Study
Messrs. Timilty, Mark, Pacheco and Feeney, Ms. Moran and Messrs. Tarr, Brady, O'Connor, Moore, Fattman, Cronin and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section: -
"SECTION __. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services, in collaboration with the department of public health and the emergency medical care advisory board, shall establish a special task force to issue a report and make recommendations on the structure, support and delivery of emergency medical services in the commonwealth. The commission shall look at all aspects of emergency medical services and impact on patient quality of care, including but not limited to: the ability to designate emergency medical services as an essential service in the commonwealth; workforce development initiatives; training; compensation; retention; costs versus expenses of care; reimbursement rates; organization of EMS services; the feasibility of reorganizing the emergency medical care advisory board within the executive office of public safety and security, and; local and state support. The task force shall consist of the following members: the secretary of health and human services or their designee, who shall serve as co-chair; the commissioner of the department of public health or their designee, who shall service as co-chair; and one representative from each of the following organizations: the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association; the Massachusetts Ambulance Association; the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts; the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems; the Association for Behavioral Health Care; the Massachusetts College of Emergency Physicians, the Massachusetts Emergency Nurses Association, and; the Massachusetts Senior Care Association.
(b) The task force shall conduct an analysis and issue a report which shall include but not be limited to: (i) a review of the methodologies used for determining reimbursement rates affecting the availability of emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport, including a review of a cost-based method for rate determination, and the potential need to reimburse certain transports requiring longer transport-times or further geographical distances at a higher rate, including but not limited to transports to and within the behavioral health system; (ii) an assessment on the efficacy of the MassHealth non-emergency wheelchair van brokerage program; (iii) industry-wide workforce initiatives including, but not limited to, strategies to improve recruitment, training, including but not limited to, transitional training opportunities for emergency medical services, and cost of training, certification, and licensure ; (iv) impact of municipal ambulance service contracts being exempt from public bidding requirements; (v) impact of administrative barriers on access and utilization of non-emergency ambulance transport; (vi) the role of external economic factors on the development, sustainability, and retention of the emergency medical service workforce such as the increases in the minimum wage and competition from other industries; and (vii) recommendations on coverage and reimbursement methodology
for emerging models, including but not limited to mobile integrated health and alternative behavioral health transportation.
(c) The task force shall convene its first meeting within 30 days of the effective date of this act. The task force shall submit its report, including recommendations to address any statutory, regulatory, budgetary, or other barriers to implementing said recommendations, with the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on health care financing, the joint committee on labor and workforce development, joint committee on public safety and homeland security, and the house and senate committees on ways and means within six months of the effective date of this act."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-543
EHS 543
Coverage for Mobile Integrated Health
Messrs. Timilty, Keenan, Payano, Mark and Feeney, Ms. Moran and Messrs. Brady, O'Connor, Moore, Cronin and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following sections:-
"SECTION XX. Chapter 32A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 17S the following new section:-
Section 17T. The group insurance commission and any carrier as defined in section 1 of chapter 176O or other entity which contracts with the commission to provide health benefits to eligible employees and retirees and their eligible dependents shall not decline to provide coverage for medical, behavioral or health care services solely on the basis that those services were delivered by a health care provider, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, participating in a mobile integrated health care program approved by the department of public health pursuant to chapter 111O. Medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by way of an approved mobile integrated health care program shall be covered to the same extent as if they were provided in a health care facility, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, and the rates of payments for otherwise covered services shall not be reduced on the grounds that those services were delivered by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program. A contract that provides coverage for care delivered may contain a provision for a deductible, copayment or coinsurance requirement for a service provided by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program as long as the deductible, copayment or coinsurance does not exceed the deductible, copayment or coinsurance applicable to delivery of the same services within a health care facility.
SECTION XXX. Chapter 111C of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-
(c) MIH programs that are focused on behavioral health services shall not be subject to application and registration fees.
SECTION XXXX. Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10Q the following new section:-
Section 10R. The division and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization, the Medicaid primary care clinician plan, or an accountable care organization shall not decline to provide coverage for medical, behavioral or health care services solely on the basis that those services were delivered by a health care provider, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, participating in a mobile integrated health care program approved by the department of public health pursuant to chapter 111O. Medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by way of an approved mobile integrated health care program shall be covered to the same extent as if they were provided in a health care facility, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, and the rates of payments for otherwise covered services shall not be reduced on the grounds that those services were delivered by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program. A contract that provides coverage for care delivered may contain a provision for a deductible, copayment or coinsurance requirement for a service provided by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program as long as the deductible, copayment or coinsurance does not exceed the deductible, copayment or coinsurance applicable to delivery of the same services within a health care facility.
SECTION XXXXX. Chapter 175 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 47II the following new section:-
Section 47III. Any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance issued, delivered or renewed within the commonwealth, shall not decline to provide coverage for medical, behavioral or health care services solely on the basis that those services were delivered by a health care provider, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, participating in a mobile integrated health care program approved by the department of public health pursuant to chapter 111O. Medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by way of an approved mobile integrated health care program shall be covered to the same extent as if they were provided in a health care facility, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, and the rates of payments for otherwise covered services shall not be reduced on the grounds that those services were delivered by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program. A contract that provides coverage for care delivered may contain a provision for a deductible, copayment or coinsurance requirement for a service provided by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program as long as the deductible, copayment or coinsurance does not exceed the deductible, copayment or coinsurance applicable to delivery of the same services within a health care facility.
SECTION XXXXXX. Chapter 176A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 8LL the following new section:-
Section 8LLL. Any contract between a subscriber and the corporation under an individual or group hospital service plan which is delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall not decline to provide coverage for medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by a health care provider, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, participating in a mobile integrated health care program approved by the department of public health pursuant to chapter 111O. Medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by way of an approved mobile integrated health care program shall be covered to the same extent as if they were provided in a health care facility, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, and the rates of payments for otherwise covered services shall not be reduced on the grounds that those services were delivered by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program. A contract that provides coverage for care delivered may contain a provision for a deductible, copayment or coinsurance requirement for a service provided by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program as long as the deductible, copayment or coinsurance does not exceed the deductible, copayment or coinsurance applicable to delivery of the same services within a health care facility.
SECTION XXXXXXX. Chapter 176B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 4LL the following new section:-
Section 4LLL. Any subscription certificate under an individual or group medical service agreement delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall not decline to provide coverage for medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by a health care provider, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, participating in a mobile integrated health care program approved by the department of public health pursuant to chapter 111O. Medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by way of an approved mobile integrated health care program shall be covered to the same extent as if they were provided in a health care facility, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, and the rates of payments for otherwise covered services shall not be reduced on the grounds that those services were delivered by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program. A contract that provides coverage for care delivered may contain a provision for a deductible, copayment or coinsurance requirement for a service provided by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program as long as the deductible, copayment or coinsurance does not exceed the deductible, copayment or coinsurance applicable to delivery of the same services within a health care facility.
SECTION XXXXXXXX. Chapter 176G of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 4C the following new section:-
Section 4CC. Any individual or group health maintenance contract that is issued or renewed shall not decline to provide coverage for medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by a health care provider, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, participating in a mobile integrated health care program approved by the department of public health pursuant to chapter 111O. Medical, behavioral, or health care services delivered by way of an approved mobile integrated health care program shall be covered to the same extent as if they were provided in a health care facility, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, and the rates of payments for otherwise covered services shall not be reduced on the grounds that those services were delivered by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program. A contract that provides coverage for care delivered may contain a provision for a deductible, copayment or coinsurance requirement for a service provided by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program as long as the deductible, copayment or coinsurance does not exceed the deductible, copayment or coinsurance applicable to delivery of the same services within a health care facility.
SECTION XXXXXXXXX. Chapter 176I of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 13 the following new section:-
Section 14. An organization entering into a preferred provider contract shall not decline to provide coverage for medical, behavioral or health care services delivered by a health care provider, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, participating in a mobile integrated health care program approved by the department of public health pursuant to chapter 111O. Medical, behavioral, or health care services delivered by way of an approved mobile integrated health care program shall be covered to the same extent as if they were provided in a health care facility, as defined in section 1 of chapter 111O, and the rates of payments for otherwise covered services shall not be reduced on the grounds that those services were delivered by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program. A contract that provides coverage for care delivered may contain a provision for a deductible, copayment or coinsurance requirement for a service provided by a health care provider participating in an approved mobile integrated health care program as long as the deductible, copayment or coinsurance does not exceed the deductible, copayment or coinsurance applicable to delivery of the same services within a health care facility."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-544
EHS 544
DCF Behavioral Health and Primary Care Loan Forgiveness Distribution Programs
Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. O'Connor and Keenan and Ms. Moran moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, the executive of health and human services shall include in all future behavioral health and primary care loan forgiveness distribution programs the ability for all behavioral health and primary care clinicians who are employed by agencies that are contracted to provide congregate care and community based contracted services for the department of children and families, to apply for and receive MA Repay behavioral health and primary care loan repayment benefits, as long as 1) those clinician types align with the intent of the specific MA Repay program, and 2) inclusion of these clinicians comply with all relevant federal or state laws, rules, regulations, or approvals.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-545
EHS 545
Lynn Community Health Center RCC
Mr. Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, in line 5, by inserting after the word “254c(f)(1)” the following words:- “; provided further, that no less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Lynn Community Health Center for the operation of the Recuperative Care Center”; and by striking out the figure “$3,948,660” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “4,048,660”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-546
EHS 546
Coverage for Community Health Workers
Messrs. Cronin, Gomez and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following sections:-
SECTION __: Section 260 of Chapter 112 of the general laws is hereby amended by striking out the third paragraph in its entirety.
SECTION __: Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the group insurance commission public employee plans under Chapter 32A; the division of medical assistance under chapter 118E and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization or primary care clinician plan; insurance companies organized under Chapter 175; non-profit hospital service corporations organized under Chapter 176A; medical service corporations organized under chapter 176B; and health maintenance organizations organized under chapter 176G shall not decline to provide coverage and reimbursement for covered health care services solely on the basis that those services were delivered by a certified community health worker, as defined by Section 259 of Chapter 112, employed by an acute care hospital, health system, community health center, school-based health center, community behavioral health center, or behavioral health community partner.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-547
EHS 547
Worcester Talking Book Library
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7000-9402, by striking out the figure “$678,040” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$711,942”;
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-548
EHS 548
MassHealth Annual Notification
Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Brady, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Moran and Messrs. O'Connor, Fattman and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting the following section:-
SECTION __. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the executive office of health and human services shall direct MassHealth to provide each beneficiary age 65 and over with an annual notice of the options for enrolling in voluntary programs including Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plans, Senior Care Options (SCO) plans, One Care plans, Frail Elder Home and Community Based Waiver Program or any other voluntary elected benefit to which they are entitled to supplement or replace their MassHealth benefits. MassHealth will also ensure that a similar notice is provided to individuals age 55 and over when they first become eligible for Medicare or MassHealth and to individuals inquiring about long term nursing home placement. Such notice shall include a method for the beneficiary to indicate interest in receiving additional information for any programs identified as of interest to them. The same notice shall be supplied to a beneficiary every time they are subject to a redetermination of eligibility. A draft of the proposed language and format for providing information to beneficiaries shall be circulated to each of these programs for review and comment prior to finalization.
The executive office of health and human services shall establish rules and regulations upon the passage of this section on or before June 30, 2025.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-549-R1
Redraft EHS 549
Van for Melrose Council on Aging
Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the council on aging in the city of Melrose to purchase an accessible transport van"; and by striking out the figure "$28,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$28,050,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-549
EHS 549
Van for Melrose Council on Aging
Mr. Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 8000-0313, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 be expended to the Council on Aging in Melrose to purchase an accessible transport van"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-552
EHS 552
TAFDC Clothing Allowance
Messrs. DiDomenico and Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Gomez, Keenan, Payano and O'Connor, Ms. Moran, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Cyr, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4403-2000, by striking out the figure “$450” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$500”; and by striking out the figure “$496,214,609” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$499,714,609”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-553-R1
Redraft EHS 553
Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan
Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0009, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester for the implementation of racial equity strategies in the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-553
EHS 553
Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be provided to the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester for implementation of racial equity strategies in the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan"; and by striking out the figure “$3,948,660” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,998,660.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-554
EHS 554
Worcester Center for New Americans
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be provided to Friendly House for the operation of a Center for New Americans in the City of Worcester"; and by striking out the figure “$146,849,925” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$146,939,925”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-554-R1
Redraft EHS 554
Worcester Center for New Americans
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $90,000 shall be expended to Friendly House, Inc. for the operation of a Center for New Americans in the city of Worcester"; and by striking out the figure “$1,295,460” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,385,460”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-555
EHS 555
Medically Tailored Food
Ms. Miranda and Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1900, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for Southwest Boston Senior Services, Inc. to support and provide medically-tailored and culturally-appropriate meals to persons battling chronic illnesses, the disabled and elders in collaboration with the statewide Meals on Wheels network;" and by striking the figure “$11,807,218” and inserting thereof the following figure:- “$12,307,218.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-556
EHS 556
EBNHC HSN Adjustment
Ms. Edwards and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-
"SECTION XX. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and subject to any applicable federal approval, the health safety net office shall adjust the payment methodology for any federally qualified community health center established in connection with Chapter 147 of the Acts of 1995 in a manner that negates the impact of any site-neutral payment policy on the rate of payment to any such center. The office shall consult with any such center prior to adjusting such payment methodology and shall implement such adjustment not later than October 1, 2024."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-556-R1
Redraft EHS 556
EBNHC HSN Adjustment
Ms. Edwards and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 106 the following section:-
"SECTION 106A. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and subject to all required federal approvals, the health safety net office shall adjust the payment methodology for any federally qualified community health center established under chapter 147 of the acts of 1995 in a manner that shall negate the impact of any site-neutral payment policy on the rate of payment to said qualified community health centers. The office shall consult with affected centers prior to adjusting the payment methodology for such centers; provided, however, that the new funding policy shall be reflected in payments starting on January 1, 2025 and shall apply retroactively as of October 1, 2024.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-557-R1
Redraft EHS 557
PCA Working Group Addition
Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Crighton, Ms. Moran, Mr. Payano, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Brady and Moore, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Fattman, Oliveira, Gomez and Tarr, Ms. Lovely, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Velis, O'Connor, Cronin, Mark and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0601, by inserting after the word “growth,” the following words:- “ the current state of any structural change initiatives related to pre-admission counselling, screenings, assessments and coordination of care” ;
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-557
EHS 557
PCA Working Group Addition
Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Crighton, Ms. Moran, Mr. Payano, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Brady and Moore, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Fattman, Oliveira, Gomez and Tarr, Ms. Lovely, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Velis, O'Connor, Cronin, Mark and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0601, by inserting after the words “evaluate the eligibility criteria” the following words:- “the current state of any structural change initiatives related to pre-admission counselling, screenings, assessments and coordination of care,” ; and by inserting after the words “containment of the program;” the following words:- “provided further the Secretary of Health and Human Service shall conduct a public hearing on any structural change initiatives related to pre-admission counselling, screenings, assessments and coordination of care. Such hearing shall provide interested parties with the opportunity to consider the current state of the system of care, the problems of concern that are in need of a remedy by an action of such magnitude to be reasonably considered a structural change initiative, and the potential options under consideration for addressing such concern. If after the benefit of input received from the public hearing the Secretary determines to proceed with implementing structural changes, then she shall provide written findings to the house and senate committees on ways and means that detail the structural change initiative and the results of the public process required by this section. Such findings shall be submitted to the House and Senate committees on ways and means not less than 30 days prior to the initiation of a public procurement process.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-558
EHS 558
OCA Line Item Technical Fix
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0930-0100, by striking out the words “provided, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended on a pilot program to provide housing support services to transition-age youth who are aging out of the care or custody of the department of children and families or the department of youth services;” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “provided, that not less than $300,000 shall be expended on efforts to ensure that transition-age youth who are aging out of the care or custody of the department of children and families or the department of youth services are well-prepared for and supported in their transition into adulthood” ;
and by striking out the following words:- "provided further, that funds shall be expended for the office to review the current capacity of family resource centers including, but not limited to: (i) catchment area penetration; (ii) the programmatic activities and partnerships of each family resources center; (iii) statewide and regional analysis of the needs of families and children seeking the support of a family resource center; and (iv) family resource center service gaps across the commonwealth; provided further, that the review shall be conducted in collaboration with the Families and Children Requiring Assistance Advisory Board established in chapter 240 of the acts of 2012 and the department of children and families; provided further, that the office shall engage with consumers and family resource centers during its review; and provided further, that not later than January 16, 2025, the office shall submit a report to the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the joint committee on the judiciary and the house and senate committees on ways and means on the review including, but not limited to: (a) findings and recommendations regarding improvements for core services, key community partnerships and system navigation services; and (b) recommendations for closing access gaps to family resource centers;”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-559
EHS 559
Roca Lynn High-Risk Young Parents
Messrs. Crighton and Gomez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4401-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Roca to provide services targeted at young parents in the city of Lynn who are experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health concerns, domestic violence, or abuse; and to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, and self-sufficiency, and to build cognitive and behavioral skills through intensive case management and wraparound supports”; and by striking out the figure "$18,388,929" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$18,638,929".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-559-R1
Redraft EHS 559
Roca Lynn High-Risk Young Parents
Messrs. Crighton and Gomez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4401-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for Roca, Inc. to provide services to young parents in the city of Lynn who are experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health concerns or domestic violence or abuse and to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, self-sufficiency and cognitive and behavioral skills for such parents through intensive case management and wraparound supports ”; and by striking out the figure "$18,388,929" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$18,638,929".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-560
EHS 560
Insurer Support for the Health Safety Net
Messrs. Finegold, Gomez and Mark, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Brady and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following sections:-
“SECTION XX. Section 64 of Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Resident” the following new definition:-
"Supplemental shortfall assessment'', an amount equal to 50 percent of the annual revenue shortfall in the Health Safety Net Trust fund as determined by the executive office pursuant to subsection (a) of section 68A.
SECTION XX. Section 66 of Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended in subsection (b) by striking out clause (i) and inserting in place thereof the following:- “all amounts paid by hospitals and managed care organizations under sections 67, 68 and 68A;”.
SECTION XX. Section 66 of Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby further amended in subsection (b) by inserting after the words “money transferred”, the following:- “by the executive office in accordance with section 68A of this chapter,”.
SECTION XX. Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following new section:-
Section 68A. Supplemental MCO Assessment to Fund Shortfall
(a) No later than April 1 of the year preceding the start of the fund fiscal year, the executive office shall estimate the projected total reimbursable health services provided by acute hospitals and community health centers and emergency bad debt costs, the total funding available and any projected shortfall after adjusting for reimbursement payments to hospitals and community health centers. If a shortfall in revenue is estimated to exist in any fund fiscal year to cover projected costs for reimbursement of health services, the executive office shall allocate 50 percent of that shortfall amount to managed care organizations subject to an assessment in section 68 of Chapter 118E and that are not Medicaid managed care organizations.
(b) The executive office shall allocate the supplemental shortfall assessment in a manner consistent with the methods promulgated by the executive office to determine the managed care liability defined in section 68, with the exception that the supplemental shortfall assessment shall only be assessed to managed care organizations that are not Medicaid managed care organizations.
(c) The supplemental shortfall assessment shall be paid to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund, established in section 66, by managed care organizations subject to the assessment on a monthly basis and shall be assessed on all managed care organization services subject to assessment. The executive office shall finalize the supplemental surcharge amount for each fund fiscal year using best available data no later than 60 days after the fund fiscal year end.
(d) The secretary of health and human services shall implement the supplemental shortfall assessment described in this section and shall promulgate regulations necessary to support implementation of said assessment. In promulgating such regulations, the secretary of health and human services shall, at a minimum: (i) establish set assessment rates for the supplemental shortfall assessment; (ii) establish any necessary reporting requirements for managed care organizations; (iii) establish an appropriate mechanism for enforcing each managed care organization’s supplemental shortfall assessment liability to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund, established in section 66, if a managed care organization rendering managed care organization services subject to assessment does not make a scheduled payment to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund; (iv) specify an appropriate mechanism for determination and payment of a managed care organization’s supplemental shortfall assessment liability to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund; (v) identify the managed care organization services subject to the supplemental shortfall assessment; (vi) specify an appropriate mechanism for the determination of a managed care organization’s liability in cases of merger or transfer of ownership; and (vii) specify an appropriate mechanism by which any amounts paid by a managed care organization in excess of its supplemental shortfall assessment may be refunded or otherwise credited to the managed care organization.
SECTION XX. Section 69 of Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended in subsection (b) by striking out the second sentence and inserting in place thereof the following:- “If a shortfall in revenue exists in any fund fiscal year to cover projected costs for reimbursement of health services, the office shall allocate 50 percent of that shortfall in a manner that reflects each hospital's proportional financial requirement for reimbursements from the fund, including, but not limited to, the establishment of a graduated reimbursement system and under any additional regulations promulgated by the office.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-561
EHS 561
Baystate Noble Hospital
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Baystate Noble Hospital in the city of Westfield for a grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioids and related substances”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-561-R1
Redraft EHS 561
Baystate Noble Hospital
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Baystate Noble Hospital Corporation in the city of Westfield for a grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioids and related substances”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$140,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-562-R1
Redraft EHS 562
Cape Cod & Islands Veterans Outreach Center
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $53,000 shall be expended to the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. for veterans’ housing and homelessness prevention, food security and transportation services, including a contract for services with the Cape Cod & Islands regional group of the Blinded Veterans Association”; and by striking out the figure "$8,470,622" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$8,523,622”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-562
EHS 562
Cape Cod & Islands Veterans Outreach Center
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $53,000 shall be expended to the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. for veterans’ housing and homelessness prevention, food security and transportation services, including a contract for services with the Cape Cod & Islands regional group of the Blinded Veterans Association”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$153,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-563
EHS 563
Asset Update for MassHealth Seniors
Messrs. DiDomenico, Eldridge, Brady, Timilty and Gomez, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Payano, Crighton, O'Connor and Fattman, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section: -
"SECTION ___. Section 25 of chapter 118E of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after subsection (5) the following:
(6) the cash surrender value of any life insurance owned by the applicant or member or his or her spouse without regard to the face value of the policy or policies.
The division shall submit a state plan amendment to implement this section no later than 30 days after the effective date of this section and subsequently promulgate all regulations necessary to implement said income and resource exemptions.
(7) resources in the amount of $10,000 per individual and $15,000 per couple.
The division shall submit a state plan amendment to implement this section no later than 30 days after the effective date of this section and subsequently promulgate all regulations necessary to implement said income and resource exemptions.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-564
EHS 564
Post Acute Care Prior Authorization and Throughput Study
Mr. Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following sections: -
"SECTION __. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Enrollee”, as defined in section 8A of chapter 118E of the General Laws; provided, that “enrollee” shall include “insured” as defined in section 1 of chapter 176O of the General Laws.
“Payer”, the group insurance commission under chapter 32A of the General Laws, the division of medical assistance under chapter 118E of the General Laws, insurance companies organized under chapter 175 of the General Laws, non-profit hospital service corporations organized under chapter 176A of the General Laws, medical service corporations organized under chapter 176B of the General Laws, health maintenance organizations organized under chapter 176G of the General Laws and preferred provider organizations organized under chapter 176I of the General Laws, or a utilization review organization acting under contract with the aforementioned entities.
“Post-acute care facility or agency”, any: (i) facility licensed under chapter 111 of the General Laws to provide inpatient post-acute care services, including, but not limited to skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, intermediate care facilities, or rehabilitation facilities; or (ii) a home health agency certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
(b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all payers shall approve or deny a request for prior authorization for admission to a post-acute care facility or transition to a post-acute care agency for any inpatient of an acute care hospital requiring covered post-acute care services by the next business day following receipt by the payer of all necessary information to establish medical necessity of the requested service. If the calendar day immediately following the date of submission of the completed request is not a payer’s business day, and the payer cannot otherwise make a determination by the next calendar day, and the receiving post-acute care facility or agency is both open to new admissions and has indicated that said facility or agency will accept the enrollee, then prior authorization shall be waived; provided, that the payer shall provide coverage and may begin its concurrent review of the admission on the next business day; provided further, that the payer shall not retrospectively deny coverage for services to an enrollee admitted to a post-acute care facility or transitioned to a post-acute care agency after a waiver of prior authorization pursuant to this section unless the claim was a result of fraud, waste or abuse. An adverse determination of a prior authorization request pursuant to this section may be appealed by an enrollee or the enrollee’s provider and such appeal, in the case of an enrollee of a commercial payer, shall be subject to the expedited grievance process pursuant to clause (iv) of subsection (b) of section 13 of chapter 176O of the General Laws. An enrollee of an insurance program of the division of medical assistance or the enrollee’s provider may request an expedited appeal of an adverse determination of a prior authorization request. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a payer to reimburse for services that are not a covered benefit.
(c) In the case of non-emergency transportation between an acute care hospital and a post-acute care facility, payers shall approve or deny a request for prior authorization according to the same process provided pursuant to subsection (b); provided, that once authorization has been granted, said authorization shall be valid for not less than 7 calendar days following approval.
(d) The division of insurance and the division of medical assistance shall issue sub-regulatory guidance to effectuate the purposes of this subsection.
SECTION __. (a) There shall be a task force to study and propose recommendations to address acute care hospital throughput challenges and the impact of persistent delays in discharging patients from acute to post-acute care settings. The task force shall examine: (i) hospital discharge planning and case management practices; (ii) payer administrative barriers to discharge; (iii) legal and regulatory barriers to discharge; (iv) efforts to increase public awareness of health care proxies and the importance of designating a health care agent; (v) post-acute care capacity constraints and additional opportunities to provide financial incentives to increase capacity; (vi) administrative day rates and the cost to hospitals of discharge delays; (vii) enhanced hospital case management practices and reimbursement for wraparound services; (viii) the adequacy of post-acute care facility insurance networks and the establishment of an out-of-network rate for post-acute care facilities; (ix) expanding MassHealth Limited coverage to include post-acute and long-term care services; (x) the effectiveness of interagency coordination to resolve complex case discharges; (xi) the adequacy of reimbursement rates of MassHealth and commercial carriers for nonemergency medical transportation; and (xii) the adequacy of state resources and infrastructure to place complex case discharges in appropriate post-acute care settings.
(b) The task force shall consist of: the secretary of health and human services, or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the assistant secretary for MassHealth, or a designee; the commissioner of mental health, or a designee; the attorney general, or a designee; the commissioner of correction, or a designee; 1 sheriff appointed by the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, Inc.; 1 member representing the division of the probate and family court department of the trial court to be appointed by the chief justice of said division; and 10 members to be appointed by the chair, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Massachusetts Ambulance Association, Incorporated, 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative from an academic medical center located in Worcester county, 1 of whom shall be a representative of an acute care hospital located in Suffolk county and 1 of whom shall be a representative from an acute care hospital designated by the health policy commission as an independent community hospital for the purposes of 105 CMR 100.715(B)(2)(b).
(c) Not later than January 1, 2025, the task force shall submit its report, including its recommendations or any proposed legislation necessary to carry out its recommendations, to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-566
EHS 566
Graduate Medical Education Payments
Messrs. Tarr, Lewis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4000-0250 the following item:-
“4000-XXXX For the executive office of health and human services to establish a program for graduate medical education payments for primary care, behavioral health, and other physician shortage professions residency training; provided, that said payments may support community-based training for other health professionals, including but not limited to, family medicine nurse practitioners, dentists, and dental hygienists; provided further, that eligible providers for said payments shall include community health centers; provided further, that the executive office shall seek to obtain the maximum amount of federal reimbursement for said payments; provided further, that the executive office shall promulgate and revise any rules or regulations necessary to implement and establish this program by January 1, 2028; provided further, that the executive office will prioritize placements at community-based setting, at organizations that serve a high public payer mix; and provided further that executive office shall consult with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, Inc. regarding implementation of this provision………...…..….$2,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-567
EHS 567
Latham Centers
Mr. Cyr and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5920-2000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Latham Centers, Inc., to address urgent technology upgrades that will improve security, programs and support services for children and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome”; and by striking out the figure “$1,698,579,657”; and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,698,829,657”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-568
EHS 568
Rest Homes
Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Brady, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Crighton, Keenan and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4405-2000, by striking out the words “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2023, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2023” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2024, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2024”; and in line-item 4408-1000, by striking out the words “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July1, 2023, established in section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2023" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2024, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2024”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-568-R1
Redraft EHS 568
Rest Homes
Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Brady, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Crighton, Keenan, Cyr and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4405-2000, by striking out the words “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2023, established in section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2023” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2024, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2024”; and
in said section 2, in item 4408-1000, by striking out the words “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2023, established in section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2023" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2024, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2024”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-569-R1
Redraft EHS 569
Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans of America
Messrs. Velis and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0012, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for Vietnam Veterans of Massachusetts, Inc. to aid veterans in the commonwealth with filing claims for medical and financial benefits"; and by striking out the figure “$8,470,622” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,545,622”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-569
EHS 569
Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans of America
Messrs. Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0010, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that no less than $75,000 shall be expended for Vietnam Veterans of America in Massachusetts to aid veterans filing claims for medical and financial benefits"; and by striking out the figure “$11,729,113” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,804,113”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-570
EHS 570
Contaminated Drug Supply Public Awareness Campaign
Messrs. Velis, O'Connor and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for a public awareness campaign to promote the awareness of drug contamination in the commonwealth, including the prevalence of fentanyl, and to promote the utilization of drug testing equipment and harm reduction services and resources among residents of the commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure “$197,928,851” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$198,028,851”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-570-R1
Redraft EHS 570
Contaminated Drug Supply Public Awareness Campaign
Messrs. Velis, O'Connor, Moore and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0206, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended by the department for a public awareness campaign to promote the awareness of drug contamination in the commonwealth, including the prevalence of fentanyl, and to promote the utilization of drug testing equipment and harm reduction services and resources among residents of the commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure “$6,378,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$6,478,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-571
EHS 571
State Narcan Supply
Messrs. Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0206, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $2,000,000 shall be expended for the distribution of naloxone”; and by striking out the figure “$6,378,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,378,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-571-R1
Redraft EHS 571
State Narcan Supply
Messrs. Velis and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0930, by striking out the figure “$644,447” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,300,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-572
EHS 572
Pharmacist Authority to Administer Therapies
Ms. Moran and Messrs. Moore and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended By adding the following sections:-
“SECTION __. Section 1 of chapter 94C of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended in the definition of "Administer" by striking out paragraph (c) in its entirety and inserting the following in place thereof the following paragraph:-
(c) a registered pharmacist acting in accordance with either: (i) regulations promulgated by the department, in consultation with the board of registration in pharmacy and the department of mental health, governing pharmacist administration of medications for treatment of mental health and substance use disorder and at the direction of a prescribing practitioner in the course of the practitioner's professional practice; or (ii) a prescription for testosterone for gender-affirming care in the course of the practitioner's professional practice; or (iii) a prescription for treatment of sexually transmitted infections including those as defined in regulation by the department pursuant to section 121B of chapter 111; or.
SECTION ___. Section 24B ½ of chapter 112 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out subsection (c) and inserting in place thereof the following:-
(c) Collaborative drug therapy management shall only be allowed in the following settings: (1) hospitals licensed pursuant to section 51 of chapter 111, subject to approval by the medical staff executive committee at a licensed hospital or designee; (2) long-term care facilities licensed pursuant to section 71 of chapter 111, subject to approval by the long-term care facilities' medical director or designee; (3) inpatient or outpatient hospice settings licensed pursuant to section 57D of chapter 111, subject to approval by the hospice's medical director or designee; (4) ambulatory care clinics licensed pursuant to section 51 of chapter 111, with on-site supervision by the attending physician and a collaborating pharmacist, subject to approval by the ambulatory care clinic's medical staff executive committee or designee, or medical director or designee; (5) collaborating pharmacists in a retail drug business, as registered in section 38 of chapter 112 and limited by this section, with supervision by physicians according to the terms of their collaborative practice agreements and limited to the following: patients 18 years of age or older; an extension by 30 days of current drug therapy prescribed by the supervising physician; and administration of vaccines or initiation of medications pursuant to a diagnosis, discontinuation, and/or modification of dosages of medications prescribed by the supervising physicians for substance use disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, congestive heart failure, HIV or AIDS, osteoporosis and co-morbidities identified by the supervising physician for the individual patient along with the primary diagnosis. The collaborative practice agreement shall specifically reference each disease state being co-managed. A patient shall be referred by supervising physicians to that physicians’ collaborating pharmacists and shall be given notice of the collaboration and shall consent to the collaboration. Pharmacists in the retail setting, who have a collaborative practice agreement with supervising physicians which specifically allows initial prescriptions for referred patients of the supervising physician, may issue prescriptions for schedule II-VI controlled substances, as defined in clause 6 of section 3 of chapter 94C. Collaborative Practice Agreements with pharmacists in a retail setting that include controlled substances shall only be used to treat substance use disorders as defined by section 35 of chapter 123 or any disorder described in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Such prescriptions shall be for a patient diagnosis specified in the supervising physician's individual referral of that patient. A copy of the prescription shall be sent to the supervising physician within 24 hours.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-573-R2
2nd Redraft EHS 573
Substance Use Disorder Therapy
Ms. Moran and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended for Drug Story Theater, Inc. to support substance abuse education performances and forums throughout the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$550,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-573
EHS 573
Substance Use Disorder Therapy
Ms. Moran moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that $190,000 shall be expended to the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership with 3D Therapy Thrive to study 3D therapy’s impact on incarcerated individuals with Substance Use Disorder”; and by striking out the figure “$197,928,851” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$198,118,851”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-573-R1
Redraft EHS 573
Substance Use Disorder Therapy
Ms. Moran moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $450,000 shall be expended for Drug Story Theater, Inc., to support substance abuse education performances and forums throughout the commonwealth; provided further, that $190,000 shall be expended to the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership with 3D Therapy Thrive to study 3D therapy’s impact on incarcerated individuals with Substance Use Disorder”; and by striking out the figure “$197,928,851” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$198,568,851”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-574
EHS 574
Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board
Ms. Moran, Messrs. Brady, Moore and Gomez, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Mark, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Eldridge, Collins and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-
“SECTION XX. Chapter 6 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
Section 222. (a) There is hereby established within the executive office of health and human services the human service transportation (HST) consumer advisory board, hereinafter referred to as the board, to advance the quality of nonemergency transportation to medical, community and other health and human services for persons with disabilities across the commonwealth and to identify challenges and solutions to address the experience and concerns of consumers using this service in order to ensure that HST is safe and reliable for all consumers.
(b) The board shall engage in activities that support its goals to identify challenges and solutions, make recommendations for improvements and propose guidelines on non-emergency human services transportation in order to provide the highest quality of service for consumers in the commonwealth, identify opportunities for improved service and productivity and provide a strong safety net for vulnerable populations in rural and urban communities. These activities shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) activities that elicit consumer experiences, feedback and insight into program participation as well as the ability to invite representatives from vendors, providers and referral sources in their attempt to capture information relevant to their purpose;
(ii) a minimum of six public meetings annually, as required by subsection (d);
(iii) consumer listening sessions pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (d);
(iv) an annual report, as required by subsection (d); and
(v) any other activity consistent with the purpose of the board.
(c) The board shall consist of 13 members who shall include; the secretary of health and human services or their designee who shall be a non-voting member and shall serve as the convenor of the board; the director of MassHealth or their designee who shall be a non-voting member; and 11 voting members appointed by the governor: 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by the Massachusetts developmental disabilities council; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by the Massachusetts Mental Health Association; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by the statewide independent living council; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by Stavros center for independent living; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by Independence Associates center for independent living; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by the Boston Center for Independent Living, Inc.; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by the Dignity Alliance; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by Arc Massachusetts, Inc.; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers recommended by the Disability Law Center; 1 of whom shall be appointed from a list of 3 consumers or consumer surrogates recommended by Mass Senior Care and the Massachusetts Council on Aging; and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the governor at their discretion.
(d)(1) The board shall meet a minimum of six times a year, all meetings of the board shall be held remotely and open to the public. Notice of remote meetings shall be posted as soon as reasonably possible prior to meeting. Notice shall be printed or posted in a legible, easily understandable format and shall contain the date, time and instructions for remote access and participation. The convenor of the meeting shall further include with the notice a listing of the topics that the convenor reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting.
(2) In order to engage in in activities that elicit consumer experiences, feedback and insight into program participation as well as the ability to invite representatives from vendors, providers and referral sources in their attempt to capture information relevant to their purpose, the board shall host and report on two virtual consumer listening sessions annually, preceded by targeted outreach to users of human services transportation services.
(3) The consumer advisory board shall file an annual report of its recommendations with the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on transportation, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the secretary of health and human services and the secretary of transportation not later than December 1. The recommendations shall be used by the human services transportation office to improve non-emergency human services transportation broker services.
The human services transportation office will provide the Board with an update of its actions with regard to the report’s recommendations.
(4) The human services transportation office shall staff the consumer advisory task force, assist with facilitation for board outreach activities, and ensure its operation and scheduling.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-577
EHS 577
State-funded SNAP Assistance
Messrs. DiDomenico, Eldridge, Lewis and Gomez, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Keenan, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Mark, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Payano, Pacheco, Kennedy, Feeney, Crighton and Cronin and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4400-1004 the following item:
"XXXX-XXXX For supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits for persons that satisfy all eligibility requirements of the program except requirements related to immigration status; provided, that to be eligible for benefits under this item individuals shall reside in the commonwealth under the color of law, or be humanitarian parolees as defined by United States Customs and Border Protection, and provided, that the department is authorized to provide said benefits to children under the age of 18, adults age 60 or older, and persons with a severe illness or a disability as determined by a state agency, and provided further, the department shall ensure staff are fully trained to ensure that immigrant households seeking assistance under this program are properly evaluated for federal nutrition assistance before providing supplemental nutrition assistance.…………………………………$12,000,000"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-578
EHS 578
Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty
Messrs. DiDomenico, Eldridge, Gomez, Lewis, Feeney and Mark, Ms. Miranda, Mr. Keenan, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Cronin, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Brady, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Payano, Pacheco, Collins, Crighton, Rush, Kennedy and O'Connor, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Moore, Cyr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4403-2000, by striking out the words “month of April 2025” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “month of October 2024”; and by striking out the figure “$496,214,609” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$516,214,609”.
and further moves to amend the bill in section 2, in line item 4408-1000 by striking out the words “month of April 2025” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “month of October 2024”; and by striking out the figure “$183,182,092” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$192,182,092”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-581
EHS 581
Definition of Veteran
Messrs. DiDomenico and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section: -
"SECTION ___. The language of M.G.L. ch. 4, s.7, clause 43 part (b) is hereby amended by adding after the words "coast guard" the following words:- "United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps, United States Public Health Service, United States Space Force."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-583
EHS 583
DPH Violence Prevention Program
Messrs. Eldridge, Gomez, Payano, Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1506, by striking out the figure “$4,040,365” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$5,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-584
EHS 584
Reentry Demonstration Initiative Reinvestment Trust Fund
Messrs. Oliveira and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following new sections:
"SECTION______. Section 2GGGGGG.
(a)There shall be a Reentry Demonstration Initiative Reinvestment Trust Fund, which shall be administered by the secretary of health and human services. There shall be credited to the fund: (i) an amount equal to any federal financial participation revenues claimed and received by the commonwealth attributed to the delivery of MassHealth services to individuals in certain public institutions, including but not limited to state prisons, county jails and houses of correction, and youth correctional facilities, pursuant to an approved demonstration initiative under section 1115 of the Social Security Act; (ii) any revenue from appropriations or other money authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; and (iii) interest earned on any money in the fund.
(b)Money in the fund shall be expended in accordance with an approved demonstration initiative under section 1115 of the Social Security Act to provide MassHealth services to individuals in certain public institutions, including but not limited to state prisons, county jails and houses of correction, and youth correctional facilities; provided, however, that the secretary shall, to the maximum extent possible, administer the fund to obtain federal financial participation for the expenditures of non-federal money from the fund. Amounts credited to the fund shall be expended without further appropriation.
(c)Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in the following fiscal year.
(d)The secretary may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify amounts for payment in anticipation of expected receipts; provided, however, that no expenditure shall be made from the fund which shall cause the fund to be deficient at the close of a fiscal year. To accommodate timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenue and related expenditures, the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the most recent revenue estimates as certified by the secretary to be transferred, credited or deposited under this section."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-584-R1
Redraft EHS 584
Reentry Demonstration Initiative Reinvestment Trust Fund
Messrs. Oliveira, O'Connor and Gomez moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 28 the following section:-
"SECTION 28A. Said chapter 29 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2DDDDDD the following section:-
Section 2EEEEEE. (a) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a Reentry Demonstration Project Reinvestment Trust Fund, which shall be administered by the secretary of health and human services. There shall be credited to the fund: (i) an amount equal to any federal financial participation revenues claimed and received by the commonwealth attributed to the delivery of MassHealth services to individuals in certain public institutions, including, but not limited to, state prisons, county jails, houses of correction and the department of youth services, pursuant to an approved demonstration project under section 1115 of the Social Security Act; (ii) appropriations or other money authorized or transferred by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; and (iii) any interest earned on the amounts in the fund.
(b) Money in the fund shall be expended in accordance with an approved demonstration project under section 1115 of the Social Security Act to provide MassHealth services to individuals in certain public institutions, including, but not limited to, state prisons, county jails, houses of correction and the department of youth services; provided, however, that the secretary shall, to the maximum extent possible, administer the funds to obtain federal financial participation for the expenditures of non-federal money from the fund. Amounts credited to the fund shall be expended without further appropriation. Money in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure during the following fiscal year.
(c) The secretary may incur expenses and the comptroller may certify payment amounts in anticipation of expected receipts; provided, however, that no expenditure made from the fund shall cause the fund to be deficient at the close of a fiscal year. To accommodate timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenue and related expenditures, the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the most recent revenue estimates as certified by the secretary to be transferred, credited or deposited under this section."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-585
EHS 585
Lower Cape Outreach Council
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Lower Cape Outreach Council for food pantry renovations and improvements”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-586
EHS 586
Harvest on Vine
Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Harvest on Vine Food Pantry in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston to provide food resources and services"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$125,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-589
EHS 589
Northern Essex Elder Transport-Service Incentive Grants
Messrs. Tarr and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by inserting at the item the following:-"Northern Essex Elder Transport, Inc shall be eligible for all grants including but not limited Service Incentive Grants"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-590
EHS 590
Reproductive Health Care Training Access Pilot Program
Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by inserting the following:- “; provided, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for a reproductive health care training grant program for out-of-state medical residents to obtain reproductive health care training consistent with residency programs in the commonwealth, including but not limited to abortion care training; provided further, that grants shall be issued to hospitals in the commonwealth that provide abortion care training to medical residents; provided further, that hospital grant recipients shall create and implement an application process for medical students completing residencies in states with abortion restriction laws; provided further, that notwithstanding the provisions of section 9A of chapter 112 of the General Laws, a medical student who has creditably completed not less than two years of study in a legally chartered medical school wherever located may practice medicine in a licensed health care facility in the commonwealth where reproductive care may be lawfully provided under the supervision of a health care provider licensed in the commonwealth who, acting within the scope of that license, may provide reproductive care; and provided further, that not later than April 1, 2025, the department shall submit to the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on health care financing, the house and senate committees on ways and means, and the clerks of the house and senate a grant utilization report including, but not limited to, the number of medical student applicants to grant recipient programs, the number of applicants accepted into the programs, and one or more program descriptions”; and by striking out the figure “$60,051,007” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$60,201,007”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-593
EHS 593
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support for Students
Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Feeney, Tarr, O'Connor, Montigny and Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of elementary and secondary education shall direct all public, private, and charter schools that serve students in any of grades 6 to 12, inclusive, and issue student identification cards to include on all new or replacement student identification cards issued on or after August 1, 2024, the telephone and text number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Hey Sam youth mental health text line”; and
in item 7066-0000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of higher education shall direct all public and private institutions of higher education that issue student identification cards to include on all new or replacement student identification cards issued on or after August 1, 2024, the telephone and text number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Hey Sam youth mental health text line”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-593-R1
Redraft EHS 593
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support for Students
Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Feeney, Tarr, O'Connor, Montigny and Velis and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of elementary and secondary education may direct public, private, and charter schools that serve students in any of grades 6 to 12, inclusive, and issue student identification cards to include on all new or replacement student identification cards issued after renewal of existing or execution of new printing contracts the telephone and text number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Hey Sam youth mental health text line”; and
in said section 2, in item 7066-0000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department of higher education may direct public and private institutions of higher education that issue student identification cards to include on all new or replacement student identification cards issued after renewal of existing or execution of new printing contracts the telephone and text number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Hey Sam youth mental health text line”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-594
EHS 594
Fetal opioid drug exposure
Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
SECTION _. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary the commissioner of the department of developmental services shall include fetal opioid drug exposure and addiction under the definition of Closely Related Developmental Conditions as defined under 115 CMR 2 and 115 CMR 6.06(1).
Section _. The commissioner of the department of development services shall at their discretion include additional diagnosis as part of the definition of closely related developmental condition.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-597
EHS 597
Immigrants' Assistance Center
Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended as a grant for Immigrants Assistance Center, Inc. in the city of New Bedford to provide citizenship and workforce readiness programming"; and by striking out the figure "$1,295,460" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,370,460".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-598-R1
Redraft EHS 598
Parity Implementation
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Keenan, Crighton and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0029, by inserting the following words:- “ ; provided further, that not later than January 8, 2025 the division shall submit a report to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on health care financing and the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery outlining actions taken to comply with mental health parity provisions established in chapter 177 of the acts of 2022 including, but not limited to, analyses of: (i) evaluations and resolutions of consumer complaints alleging a carrier’s non-compliance with state and federal parity laws since the effective date of said chapter 177; and (ii) the performance of behavioral health parity compliance market conduct examinations since the effective date of said chapter 177”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-598
EHS 598
Parity Implementation
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Keenan, Crighton and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7006-0029, by inserting the following words:- “ ; provided further, that not later than November 30, 2024 the division shall submit a report to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on health care financing, and the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery outlining actions taken to comply with mental health parity provisions established in chapter 177 of the acts of 2002 including, but not limited to, a review of the evaluation and resolution of consumer complaints alleging a carrier’s non-compliance with state and federal parity laws and the performance of behavioral health parity compliance market conduct examinations since the effective date of said chapter 177”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-599
EHS 599
AED Devices at Peabody Parks
Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $95,000 shall be expended to the city of Peabody for the purchase of automated external defibrillators for use in Peabody parks”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$195,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-601
EHS 601
Drug Pricing Transparency at Point of Prescribing
Messrs. Feeney and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-
"SECTION __. Chapter 94C of the General Laws, is hereby amended by inserting after section 21C the following new section:-
Section 21D (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Cost-sharing information”, the amount an enrollee is required to pay in order to receive a drug that is covered under the enrollee’s health plan.
“Enrollee” a person who is receiving a health care benefit and assumes financial responsibility for outstanding costs associated with a prescription drug to treat a health condition for themself or a dependent member of their household.
''Health care benefit'', a full or partial payment for health care services or the right under a contract or a certificate or policy of insurance to have a full or partial payment made by a health plan, as defined in this section, for a specified health care service.
“Health plan” any individual, general, blanket, or group policy of health, accident or sickness insurance issued by an insurer licensed under chapter one hundred and seventy-five or the laws of any other jurisdiction, as defined by Section 1 of Chapter 176M of the Massachusetts General Laws.
“Interoperability element”, hardware, software, integrated technologies or related licenses, technical information, privileges, rights, intellectual property, upgrades, or services that may be necessary to provide the data set forth in subsection (b)(3) in the requested format and consistent with subsection(b)(1).
“Patient” the enrollee or dependent family member of the enrollee who is treated by a prescribing physician.
“Personal Representative” a person, who has been identified and authorized as a third-party representative by the enrollee or by the commonwealth on behalf of the enrollee, to assist with decision making during their medical appointment, such as: a child accompanying an elderly parent, a healthcare proxy, a parent of a minor child, or a spouse.
“Pharmacy benefit manager” (a) For the purposes of this section, the term ''pharmacy benefit manager'' shall mean any person or entity that administers the (i) prescription drug, prescription device or pharmacist services or (ii) prescription drug and device and pharmacist services portion of a health benefit plan on behalf of plan sponsors, including, but not limited to, self-insured employers, insurance companies and labor unions. A health benefit plan that does not contract with a pharmacy benefit manager shall be considered a pharmacy benefit manager for the purposes of this section, unless specifically exempted.
“Prescribing practitioner” a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant who writes a prescription for a patient during the course of care for a medical condition.
(b) Any health plan or pharmacy benefit manager shall, upon request of the patient, enrollee, their prescribing practitioner, or their personal representative, furnish the cost, benefit, and coverage data set forth in subsection (3) to the enrollee, their prescribing practitioner, or their personal representative and shall ensure that such cost, benefit, and coverage data is (i) current as of one business day after any change is made; (ii) provided in real time to the provider in a clinical setting; and (iii) in the same format that the request is made by the enrollee or their prescribing practitioner.
(1) The format of the request shall use established industry content and transport standards published by:
(i) a standards developing organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute, included but not limited to, the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, ASC X12, Health Level 7; or
(ii) a relevant federal or state agency or government body, included but not limited to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services or the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information technology, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Insurance, Health Policy Commission, or Center for Health Information and Analysis.
(2) The following shall not be considered acceptable electronic formats pursuant to this section:
(i) a facsimile;
(ii) a proprietary payor or patient portal, unless it satisfies all of the requirements of section
(3) Upon such request, the following data shall be provided for any prescription drug covered under the enrollee’s health plan:
(i) the patient’s current eligibility information for such prescription drug;
(ii) a list of any clinically-appropriate alternatives to such prescription drug covered under the enrollee’s current health plan;
(iii) cost-sharing information for such prescription drug and such clinically-appropriate alternatives, including a description of any variance in cost-sharing based on pharmacy, whether retail or mail order, or health care provider dispensing or administering such prescription drug or such alternatives;
(iv) any applicable utilization management requirements for such prescription drug or such clinically-appropriate alternatives, including prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limits, and site-of-service restrictions
(4) Any health plan or pharmacy benefit manager shall furnish the data set forth in subsection (b)(3), whether the request is made using the prescription drug’s unique billing code, such as a National Drug Code or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code or descriptive term, such as the brand or generic name of the prescription drug.
(i) A health plan or pharmacy benefit manager shall not deny or delay a request as a method of blocking the data set forth in subsection (b)(3) from being shared based on how the drug was requested.
(c) Unless expressly prohibited by federal HIPAA law, any health plan or pharmacy benefit manager furnishing the data set forth in subsection (b)(3), shall not:
(1) restrict, prohibit, or otherwise hinder, in any way, a prescribing practitioner or health care professional from communicating or sharing:
(i) any of the data set forth in subsection (b)(3);
(ii) additional information on any lower-cost or clinically-appropriate alternatives, whether or not they are covered under the enrollee’s plan; or
(iii) additional payment or cost-sharing information that may reduce the patient’s out-of-pocket costs, such as cash price or patient assistance and support programs whether sponsored by a manufacturer, foundation, or other entity;
(2) Except as may be required by law, interfere with, prevent, or materially discourage access, exchange, or use of the data set forth in subsection (b)(3), which may include charging fees, not responding to a request at the time made where such a response is reasonably possible, implementing technology in nonstandard ways or instituting enrollee consent requirements, processes, policies, procedures, or renewals that are likely to substantially increase the complexity or burden of accessing, exchanging, or using such data; nor
(3) penalize a prescribing practitioner or professional for disclosing such information to an enrollee or their personal representative, or for prescribing, administering, or ordering a clinically appropriate or lower-cost alternative.
(4) Any health plan or pharmacy benefit manager shall treat an enrollee’s identified personal representative as the enrollee for purposes of this section, provided that nothing in this section shall expand the legal relationship between an enrollee authorized representative and health plan.
(5) If under applicable law a person has authority to act on behalf of an enrollee in making decisions related to health care, a health plan or pharmacy benefit manager, or its affiliates or entities acting on its behalf, must treat such person as a personal representative under this section.
(d) Reimbursement for fees imposed for data access pursuant to this section may be negotiated and contracted between a health plan or pharmacy benefit manager and a prescribing provider upon mutual agreement".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-602
EHS 602
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Exploitation Programs
Mr. Feeney moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1136, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to New Hope, Inc. for costs associated with opening and furnishing a domestic violence shelter”; and by striking the figure “$75,558,041" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$75,578,041”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-604
EHS 604
Greater New Bedford Community Health Center
Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for Office-Based Addiction/Opioid Treatment, a program of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-607
EHS 607
Monson Transportation Van
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the town of Monson for the purchase of a transportation vehicle”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-608
EHS 608
Youth Safety
Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the Northwestern Juvenile Fire Intervention, Response, Education and Safety Partnership, Inc. for a juvenile firesetter intervention and prevention program"; and by striking out the figure “$130,540,885” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,600,885 ”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-609
EHS 609
Southbridge Hispanic Seniors Program
Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-9002, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the town of Southbridge for services provided by the Southbridge Hispanic Seniors Program”; and by striking out the figure “$28,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$28,025,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-610
EHS 610
Newborn Screening Tests
Messrs. Fattman, Keenan, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-
“SECTION X. Section 110A of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, in line 3, after the word “cretinism” the following words:- Krabbe, Fabry, Gaucher, Pompe, MPS I, Niemann Pick A/B [disease].”