Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-389
EHS 389
ABA Rate Review
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-
“SECTION __. The office of Medicaid shall conduct a review of the rates used by all governmental units in making payments to eligible providers of applied behavior analysis to publicly aided individuals as governed by 101 CMR 358.00. Said review shall include, but not be limited to: (a) a comparison of payment rates paid to providers in jurisdictions with similar cost-of-living indexes; (b) payment rates’ effect on recruitment and retention of qualified providers during fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023; (c) increased cost of service delivery to comply with upcoming accreditation requirements; and (d) the feasibility of implementation of a regular rate review process with fixed timelines. The office shall report the findings of the review to (i) the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate; (ii) the chairs of the House and Senate committees on ways and means; and (iii) the chairs of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing not later than December 31, 2025.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-391
EHS 391
Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
Messrs. Moore and Mark, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Collins, O'Connor and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-2000, by striking out the figure “$20,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$23,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-392
EHS 392
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 $125,000 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: FY2026-S3-393
EHS 393
Regional EMS
Messrs. Tarr, Durant, Moore, Eldridge and Keenan 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: FY2026-S3-394
EHS 394
Citizenship for New Americans
Messrs. Tarr and Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by striking the figure "$1,305,256" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,405,256".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-394-R1
Redraft EHS 394
Citizenship for New Americans
Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by striking the figure "$1,305,256" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,505,256".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-395
EHS 395
Infant Care Necessities
Messrs. Tarr, Durant, 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: FY2026-S3-396
EHS 396
Repealing the Sunset on Co-Pay Assistance
Messrs. Tarr and Durant 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: FY2026-S3-397
EHS 397
Pilot Program for Small Business Group Purchasing Cooperatives
Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor and Fattman 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: FY2026-S3-398
EHS 398
Group Purchasing Cooperative
Messrs. Tarr, Durant and O'Connor 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: FY2026-S3-400
EHS 400
Rest Homes Support
Mr. Moore, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Gómez, Durant, Cronin and Rush, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Mark, Payano, Collins, O'Connor and Fattman and Ms. Lovely 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, 2025, established in section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2025” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2025, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than $8,000,000 more than rates effective January 1, 2025”; and by striking out the figure “$195,347,995" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$203,347,995”; and
further amended in said section, in item 4408-1000, by striking out the words:- “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2025, established in section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than rates effective January 1, 2025” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “provided further, that rates for residential care facilities and rest homes effective July 1, 2025, established under section 13D of chapter 118E of the General Laws, shall cumulatively total not less than $3,000,000 more than rates effective January 1, 2025”; and by striking out the figure “$208,990,924" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$211,990,924”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-401
EHS 401
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: FY2026-S3-402
EHS 402
ASAP Intake
Messrs. Tarr and Durant 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: FY2026-S3-404
EHS 404
HIV/AIDS
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Collins, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Moore, O'Connor, Eldridge, Payano and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0103, by striking out the figure “$31,848,485” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “35,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-405
EHS 405
Hey Sam
Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Velis and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1027, by striking out the figure "$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$2,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-405-R1
Redraft EHS 405
Hey Sam
Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Velis, Keenan, O'Connor, Finegold, Cyr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1027, by striking out the figure "$1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,800,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-406
EHS 406
Spouses as Caregivers
Messrs. Tarr and Durant, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting at the end the following section:-
"SECTION _____ . Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services in conjunction with the Secretary of Elder Affairs shall file an application to seek a waiver with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to amend the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ 1915(c) elderly waiver, and that any program of home and community based services in which family members are permitted to serve as paid caregivers, funded pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 118E shall include spouses within the definition of a family member."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-408
EHS 408
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Messrs. Cyr and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0950-0030, by striking out the figure "$284,272” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$359,272".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-409
EHS 409
Community Health Centers
Messrs. Cyr and Payano, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Lewis, O'Connor, Eldridge and Keenan 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 “$5,335,599” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,585,599”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-410
EHS 410
New England MedFlight
Messrs. Cyr, O'Connor, Eldridge and Payano 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 "$158,090,882 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$158,240,882".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-411
EHS 411
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: FY2026-S3-412
EHS 412
PFAS
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0600, by inserting after the word “cancer,” the following words:- “potential health impacts of exposure to per- and polyfluoralkyl substances, ”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-413-R1
Redraft EHS 413
Community-based perinatal support program grants
Ms. Miranda, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Gómez, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Mark, Collins, Montigny, Moore, Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Fernandes, O'Connor, Tarr and Cyr 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 not less than $220,000 shall be expended for grants to community-based organizations to address mental health conditions and substance use disorders for perinatal individuals consistent with section 16GG of chapter 6A of the General Laws”; and by striking out the figure “$13,853,103” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$14,073,103”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-413
EHS 413
Community-based perinatal support program grants
Ms. Miranda, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Gómez, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Mark, Collins, Montigny, Moore, Eldridge and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by adding the following words:- “; and provided further that, for grant funds under section 16GG of chapter 6A of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 186 of the Acts of 2024, the department shall award not less than $350,000 for grants to eligible entities serving perinatal individuals”; and by striking out the figure “$13,853,103” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$14,203,103”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-414
EHS 414
Senior Farm Share Program
Messrs. Oliveira, Gómez, Mark and Durant, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. O'Connor and Eldridge 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 “$12,657,217” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$12,757,217”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-415
EHS 415
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
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 $20,000 shall be expended for 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:- “$373,893,635”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-415-R1
Redraft EHS 415
Bet Tzedek Legal Services
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 $20,000 shall be expended to Jewish Family and Children's Service, Inc. for the Bet Tzedek legal services program to the local community”; and by striking out the figure “$347,707,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$347,727,804”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-416-R1
Redraft EHS 416
Neighborhood-Based Gun and Violent Crime Prevention
Ms. Creem, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Montigny, Gómez, Collins, Moore, Eldridge and Payano, Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1504, by striking out the figure "$9,757,648" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$10,257,648".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-416
EHS 416
Neighborhood-Based Gun and Violent Crime Prevention
Ms. Creem, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Montigny, Gómez, Collins, Moore, Eldridge and Payano, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1504, by striking out the figure "$9,757,648" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$11,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-417
EHS 417
The Betsy Lehman Center's Roadmap to Health Care Safety
Ms. Creem and Messrs. Lewis, Collins, Mark and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4100-0063, by adding the following words:- “; provided, that not less than $1,750,000 shall be expended to implement the roadmap to health care safety for Massachusetts, including a pilot program of automated adverse event monitoring in Massachusetts hospitals”; and by striking out the figure “$3,174,027” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,924,027”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-417-R1
Redraft EHS 417
The Betsy Lehman Center's Roadmap to Health Care Safety
Ms. Creem and Messrs. Lewis, Collins, Mark, Eldridge, Payano and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4100-0063, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to implement the roadmap to health care safety for the commonwealth, including a pilot program of automated adverse event monitoring in hospitals in the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$3,174,027” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,674,027”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-418
EHS 418
Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
Ms. Creem, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0005, by adding 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 “$12,600,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,650,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-419
EHS 419
The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Brookline Community Mental Health Center, Inc. to expand the healthy lives program”; and by striking out the figure “$158,090,882” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$158,340,882”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-420
EHS 420
International Institute of New England
Ms. Creem 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”; and by striking out the figure “$689,980,438” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$690,280,438”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-421
EHS 421
Maximizing the Independent Living Skills of Legally Blind Residents
Ms. Creem, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Moore, O'Connor, Eldridge and Montigny and Ms. Lovely 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 “$8,064,721” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,164,721”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-423
EHS 423
Assistive Technology Services
Messrs. Durant, Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Fernandes, O'Connor and Brady 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 $2,305,000 shall be expended for assistive technology services”; and by striking out the figure “$14,327,398” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,712,398”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-424
EHS 424
DDS Community Day & Employment
Messrs. Eldridge, Mark, Cronin, Moore, Keenan, Fernandes, Collins, O'Connor, Brady and Payano, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5920-2025, by striking out the figure "$287,388,656" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$288,021,407".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-428
EHS 428
Housing First Responders Restoration
Messrs. Gómez, Velis, Cronin, Lewis, Eldridge, Keenan and Oliveira, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Payano, Brady, Fernandes, Mark, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-3036, by striking out the figure "$5,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - "$8,974,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-428-R1
Redraft EHS 428
Housing First Responders Restoration
Messrs. Gómez, Velis, Cronin, Lewis, Eldridge, Keenan and Oliveira, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Payano, Brady, Fernandes, Mark, O'Connor and Montigny, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-3036, by striking out the figure "$5,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - "$5,700,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-429
EHS 429
RecoveryWorks
Messrs. Keenan, Collins, Gómez, Mark and Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Lovely 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 $475,000 shall be expended for the RecoveryWorks program at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is building a community of people in addiction recovery, including those who are court involved or returning citizens, families, organizations, and local resources to enhance participants’ long-term recovery as they seek purpose, hope, and meaningful employment by (i) providing participants mentorship, career coaching, recovery and career oriented skills training groups, and assistance with removing barriers to (re)enter the workforce throughout the five-year duration of the program; and (ii) partnering with employers and organizations on education and anti-stigma efforts”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$575,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-430
EHS 430
Low Threshold Housing
Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that $12,500,000 shall be spent for expanding low-threshold housing, employing a housing first model, for homeless individuals with substance use and mental health disorders at risk of HIV"; and by striking out the figure:- "$179,642,798" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$182,142,798".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-431
EHS 431
Mobile Crisis Training
Messrs. Keenan, Mark, Moore, Eldridge, Collins, O'Connor, Brady and Tarr and Ms. Lovely 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 $75,000 shall be expended for the training of mobile crisis intervention teams providing such services to better prepare them to respond to the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities"; and by striking out the figure:- “$689,980,438” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$690,055,438”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-432
EHS 432
Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE)
Mr. Keenan, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Collins, Moore, Eldridge, Fernandes, O'Connor, Tarr and Montigny and Ms. Lovely 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 figure "$2,000,000”; and by striking out the figure:- "$19,635,433" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$20,635,433".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-434
EHS 434
Substance Use Programs in the Norfolk and Plymouth District
Mr. Keenan 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 $15,000 shall be expended for Abington C.O.P.E.S.; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for Holbrook Cares; and provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Rockland C.A.R.E.S.;" and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$155,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-434-R1
Redraft EHS 434
Substance Use Programs in the Norfolk and Plymouth District
Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor 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 $15,000 shall be expended to Abington C.O.P.E.S. Inc. for substance use prevention and programming; provided further, that not less than $15,000 shall be expended to Holbrook Cares, Corp. for substance use prevention and recovery outreach programming; and provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Rockland Cares Incorporated for recovery support and awareness programming"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$155,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-435
EHS 435
Behavioral Health Hospital Support
Messrs. Keenan, Lewis, Gómez, O'Connor, Eldridge and Oliveira 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: FY2026-S3-436
EHS 436
Tobacco Cessation and Prevention
Messrs. Keenan, Lewis, O'Connor, Eldridge and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by striking out the figure "$6,252,977" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,734,753"; and by striking out the figure "$12,557,534" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$13,039,310".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-439-R1
Redraft EHS 439
Community Health Outreach Pilot
Ms. Rausch and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4516-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department of public health shall implement an infectious disease elevated risk community outreach pilot project; provided further, that a school or early education program that has not achieved herd immunity against 1 or more vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, as determined by the department of public health, or has failed to provide the department of public health with vaccination and exemption rate data for the 2023-2024 academic year shall be designated as an elevated risk program; provided further, that the department shall create a notice to parents and caregivers of children in an elevated risk program stating that the program’s community members are at an elevated risk for the spread of 1 or more vaccine-preventable infectious diseases; provided further, that an elevated risk program shall issue the notice to parents and caregivers in the community not later than 10 days after receipt of the notice from the department; provided further, that the department may require an elevated risk program to organize and invite all parents and caregivers in the community to a presentation to be delivered by the department about immunization safety, immunization efficacy and herd immunity; provided further, that the department shall develop and make available online an informational pamphlet containing medically accurate information about immunization safety and immunization efficacy and information about vaccination cost coverage through the Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund established in section 24N of chapter 111 of the General Laws; provided further, that each elevated risk program shall distribute the informational pamphlet, either electronically or in hard copy, to all parents and caregivers of children in the elevated risk program".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-439
EHS 439
Community Health Outreach Pilot
Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4516-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the department of public health to implement an infectious disease elevated risk community outreach pilot project; provided further, that a school or early education program that has not achieved herd immunity against one or more vaccine-preventable infectious diseases or has failed to provide the department of public health with vaccination and exemption rate data for the 2023-2024 academic year shall be designated as an elevated risk program; provided further, that the department shall create a notice to parents and caregivers of children in an elevated risk program stating that the program’s community members are at an elevated risk for the spread of one or more vaccine-preventable infectious diseases; provided further, that an elevated risk program shall issue the notice to parents and caregivers in the community in a timely fashion, not later than 10 days after receipt of the notice from the department; provided further, that the department may require an elevated risk program to organize and invite all parents and caregivers in the community to a presentation by the department about immunization safety, immunization efficacy, and herd immunity; provided further, that the department shall develop and make available online an informational pamphlet containing medically accurate information about immunization safety and immunization efficacy, as well as information about vaccination cost coverage through the Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund established in section 24N of chapter 111 of the General Laws; and provided further, that each elevated risk program shall distribute the informational pamphlet, either electronically or in hard copy, to all parents and caregivers in the community"; and by striking out the figure “$29,278,694” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$29,528,694”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-440
EHS 440
Manet Community Health Center
Messrs. Keenan 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 $140,000 shall be expended for Manet Community Health Center, Incorporated for purposes including, but not limited to, behavioral health treatment support"; and by striking out the figure "$5,335,599" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,475,599".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-440-R1
Redraft EHS 440
Manet Community Health Center
Messrs. Keenan 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 $165,000 shall be expended for Manet Community Health Center, Incorporated for purposes including, but not limited to, behavioral health treatment support"; and by striking out the figure "$5,335,599" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,500,599".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-441
EHS 441
Statewide Medically-Tailored Meals Pilot Program for Veterans
Messrs. Rush and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1410-0010, by inserting the following:- “provided further, that not less than $330,000 shall be expended for Community Servings to develop and implement a statewide pilot program to provide medically-tailored meals to veterans in the Commonwealth.”; and by striking the figure “$12,435,036” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “$12,765,036”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-442
EHS 442
Self Esteem Boston
Messrs. Rush, Collins, Velis, Gómez, Keenan and Crighton, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting after the word “services” the following:- “; provided further that not less than $175,000 be expended to Self Esteem Boston for direct service and provider training programs” ; and in said item by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “$275,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-443
EHS 443
AdMeTech
Messrs. Rush and Durant, Ms. Creem, Messrs. Velis, Oliveira and Brady, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Moore, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Montigny, Gómez, Fattman, Collins and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Driscoll, Fernandes, O'Connor and Tarr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0925, by striking the figure “$625,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure “$1,250,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-444
EHS 444
Walker, Inc.
Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to Walker, Inc. for development of a training academy for direct service, residential care, and case management staff in child welfare and special education settings to improve job readiness, strengthen child development knowledge and skills, reduce staff turnover, and improved continuity of care and services”; and by striking the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “$350,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-444-R1
Redraft EHS 444
Walker, Inc.
Messrs. Rush and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to Walker, Inc. for continuation of behavioral health and positive parenting and caregiving services and resources to service and support incarcerated and post-release individuals with children from Suffolk and Norfolk County Sheriff Offices to appropriately promote necessary family bonding and child development that correlates with successful community reintegration and reduced recidivism".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-446
EHS 446
Casserly House
Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the Casserly House located in the Roslindale section of the city of Boston to assist with the transition of immigrants and refugees into the community"; and by striking out the figure “$1,305,256” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,315,256”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-451
EHS 451
The Boston Home
Messrs. Collins 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 $100,000 shall be expended to The Boston Home, Inc. for their wheelchair enhancement center to support the costs of on-site repairs, modifications, and programming for power wheelchairs"; and by striking out the figure "$158,090,882" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$158,190,882".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-451-R1
Redraft EHS 451
The Boston Home
Messrs. Collins 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 $50,000 shall be expended to The Boston Home, Inc. for their wheelchair enhancement center to support the costs of on-site repairs, modifications, and programming for power wheelchairs"; and by striking out the figure "$158,090,882" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$158,140,882".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-452-R1
Redraft EHS 452
South Boston Community Health Center
Mr. Collins 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 provided for a nurse practitioner education and training program at the South Boston Community Health Center as part of their status as a federally approved teaching health center"; and by striking out the figure "$5,335,599" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,435,599".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-452
EHS 452
South Boston Community Health Center
Mr. Collins 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 $200,000 shall be provided for a nurse practitioner education and training program at the South Boston Community Health Center as part of their status as a federally approved teaching health center"; and by striking out the figure "$5,335,599" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,535,599".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-459
EHS 459
DTA Aid During Pregnancy
Ms. Rausch, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Gómez, Collins, Keenan and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4403-2000, by striking out the words “only if it has been medically verified that the child is expected to be born within the month the payments are to be made or within the 3-month period after the month of payment” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- "only if the pregnancy has been medically verified";
and by striking out the figure “$466,729,423” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$467,429,423”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-459-R1
Redraft EHS 459
DTA Aid During Pregnancy
Ms. Rausch, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Gómez, Collins, Keenan, Payano, Eldridge and Brady, Ms. Creem, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4403-2000, by striking out the words “only if it has been medically verified that the child is expected to be born within the month the payments are to be made or within the 3-month period after the month of payment” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- "only if the pregnancy has been medically verified".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-460-R1
Redraft EHS 460
Plymouth Health and Human Services
Mr. Fernandes 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 $25,000 shall be expended to the town of Plymouth to support health and human services”; and by striking out the figure "$158,090,882” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$158,115,882”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-460
EHS 460
Plymouth Health and Human Services
Mr. Fernandes 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 $25,000 shall be expended for the Town of Plymouth to support health and human services”; and by striking the figure $100,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-462-R1
Redraft EHS 462
Dementia Care Coordination
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Moore, Durant, Fernandes, O'Connor, Eldridge, Keenan and Cyr, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Montigny 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 out the figure “$278,655,704" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$278,955,704”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-462
EHS 462
Dementia Care Coordination
Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Moore, Durant and Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1630, 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 “$278,655,704" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$278,955,704”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-465
EHS 465
MA Commission on LGBTQ Aging
Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge, Keenan, Cyr and Montigny and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-0100, by striking out the 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 inserting in place thereof the following words:- "provided further that not less than $120,000 shall be expended to Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging through Fenway Health for staffing and operations to support the permanent commission on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning older adults and their caregivers established in section 71 of chapter 3 of the General Laws"; and by striking out the figure "$5,971,575" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$6,016,575".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-468
EHS 468
Food pantry support
Messrs. Tarr and Finegold 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 $100,000 shall be expended to facilitate capacity expansion by the Open Door food pantry serving the cities of Gloucester and Lynn and the towns of Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Wenham and not less than $100,000 shall be expended for capacity expansion and innovative food storage and delivery programs for Our Neighbors' Table, Inc. serving the cities of Amesbury and Newburyport, the town of Salisbury and other communities in northeastern Essex county"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-468-R1
Redraft EHS 468
Food pantry support
Messrs. Tarr and Finegold 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 $75,000 shall be expended to facilitate capacity expansion for the Open Door food pantry serving the cities of Gloucester and Lynn and the towns of Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Wenham; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended for capacity expansion and innovative food storage and delivery programs for Our Neighbors' Table, Inc. serving the cities of Amesbury and Newburyport, the town of Salisbury and other communities in northeastern Essex county"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-469
EHS 469
Codifying HIP
Messrs. Tarr, Mark, Collins, Gómez, Durant, Eldridge and Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Payano and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny and Moore, Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Fattman and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
"SECTION X. Chapter 128 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 2E the following section:-
Section 2F. (a) The department of transitional assistance, in partnership with the department of agricultural resources and the department of public health, shall operate a healthy incentives program. The program shall provide that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, established pursuant to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, 7 U.S.C. section 2011 hereinafter referred to as SNAP, redeemed for fruit and vegetable purchases, either fresh, canned, dried or frozen, by a SNAP recipient at a participating vendor, shall entitle the recipient to receive a matching benefit reimbursed on the recipient’s EBT card, within limits to be established by the department.
(b) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund, to be administered by the commissioner of the department of transitional assistance, which shall be known as the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Fund. The Fund shall consist of all revenues from public and private sources as appropriations, gifts, grants, donations, reimbursements from the federal government and grants-in-aid or other receipts to further the purposes of the Fund in accordance with this section.
(c ) The Department of Transitional Assistance and its partners may apply for any available federal programs such as Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture to provide matching benefits to be deposited in the Fund.
SECTION 2. The Department of Transitional Assistance shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the program set forth in section X.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-470
EHS 470
Maternal Health Software Application
Mr. Tarr 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 $250,000 shall be expended for the 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"; and by striking the figure "$13,853,103" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$14,103,103".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-470-R1
Redraft EHS 470
Maternal Health Software Application
Mr. Tarr 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 $100,000 shall be expended for the 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"; and by striking out the figure "$13,853,103" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$13,953,103".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-471
EHS 471
Digital Mental Health
Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by adding the following wording:- “; provided further, that the department shall expend not less than $1,500,000 to develop a pilot program to provide access to an electronic multicomponent behavioral health prevention tool that includes access to online behavioral health educational resources, peer-to-peer support services, including a pre-moderated online peer chat space, and online private counseling sessions with a Massachusetts licensed behavioral health professional”; and by striking the figure “$131,563,724” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$133,063,724”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-472
EHS 472
Certified Medication Aides
Messrs. Tarr and Fattman 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: FY2026-S3-473-R1
Redraft EHS 473
Abortion Access Task Force and Recommendations
Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Keenan and Cyr, Ms. Creem and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department of public health shall prepare written recommendations for the continuity of abortion and abortion-related care in the commonwealth in the event of a loss of federal funding for any health care facility in which abortion services are provided; provided further, that the commissioner of the department or their designee shall form a task force to inform the strategic plan content and creation; provided further, that the task force shall include: a physician who provides abortion care later in pregnancy; an abortion provider who serves rural communities; a nurse who provides abortion care; the chief executive officer of a hospital that provides abortion care later in pregnancy or their designee; the executive director of a licensed clinic that provides abortion care or their designee; the executive director of Reproductive Equity Now Foundation, Inc. or their designee; and any other individuals at the discretion of the commissioner; provided further, that the task force’s written recommendations shall include any recommended legislative changes to ensure continuity of abortion care and services in the commonwealth including, but not limited to, previously filed legislation; provided further, that the written recommendations shall be submitted to the joint committee on health care financing, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on judiciary, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate not later than December 31, 2025."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-473
EHS 473
Abortion Access Task Force and Recommendations
Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the department of public health to prepare written recommendations for the continuity of abortion and abortion-related care in the commonwealth in the event of a loss of federal funding for any health care facility in which abortion services are provided; provided further, that the commissioner of the department or his designee shall form a task force to inform the strategic plan content and creation; provided further, that the task force shall include a physician who provides abortion care later in pregnancy, an abortion provider who serves rural communities, a nurse who provides abortion care, the chief executive officer of a hospital that provides abortion care later in pregnancy or their designee, the executive director of a licensed clinic that provides abortion care or their designee, the executive director of Reproductive Equity Now or her designee, and other individuals at the discretion of the commissioner; provided further, that the written recommendations shall include legislative changes, if any, recommended by the task force to ensure continuity of abortion care and services in the commonwealth, including but not limited to previously filed legislation; and provided further, that the written recommendations shall be submitted to the joint committee on health care financing, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on judiciary, the house and senate committees on ways and means, and the clerks of the house and senate not later than December 31, 2025"; and by striking out the figure “$38,263,168” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$38,513,168".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-475
EHS 475
Abortion Legal Hotline
Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Mark, Keenan, Lewis, Eldridge and Cyr, Ms. Creem and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1005, by adding the following words:- ; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to Reproductive Equity Now Foundation, Inc. to operate a free and confidential abortion legal hotline for Massachusetts-based health care providers and helpers, as well as patients obtaining care in Massachusetts; and by striking out the figure “$26,319,065” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$26,469,065".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-476
EHS 476
Scientific Research Trust Fund
Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Creem 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 $500,000 shall be transferred to the Scientific Research Trust Fund established in section 2EEEEEE of chapter 29 of the General Laws; and
By striking out the figure “$158,090,882” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$158,590,882”; and
By inserting, after section 16, the following section:-
SECTION 16A. Said chapter 29, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2DDDDDD the following section:-
Section 2EEEEEE. (a) There shall be a Scientific Research Trust Fund to be expended, without prior appropriation, by the executive office of health and human services. The fund shall consist of: (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, including, but not limited to, gifts, grants, donations and settlements received by the commonwealth that are designated to be credited to the fund. The fund shall be expended to provide research grants in the fields of science, medicine, public health, mental health, and other biological or behavioral areas of inquiry. Academic and other nonprofit grant proposals shall be prioritized. Any bond proceeds deposited into the fund shall be kept separate from any and all other funds deposited into the fund. No expenditure from the fund shall cause the fund to be in deficiency at the close of a fiscal year. Monies deposited into the fund that are unexpended at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.
(b) The executive office of health and human services shall administer the fund. Annually, not later than March 1, the office shall report on the activities of the fund from the previous calendar year to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means, the joint committee on health care financing, the joint committee on public health, and the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies. The office may promulgate regulations or issue other guidance to implement this section.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-476-R1
Redraft EHS 476
Scientific Research Trust Fund
Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Creem, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 16 the following section:-
“SECTION 16A. Said chapter 29, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2JJJJJJ the following section:-
Section 2KKKKKK. (a) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate, non-budgeted special revenue fund known as the Scientific Research Fund, which shall be administered by the executive office of health and human services. 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, including, but not limited to, gifts, grants, donations and settlements received by the commonwealth that are designated to be credited to the fund. The fund shall be expended, without further appropriation, for the executive office to provide research grants in the fields of science, medicine, public health, mental health and other biological or behavioral areas of inquiry; provided, however, that the executive office shall prioritize for funding grant proposals from academic and other nonprofit applicants. Any unexpended balance in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain available for expenditure in subsequent fiscal years and shall not revert to the General Fund. No expenditure shall be made from the fund which causes the fund to be in a deficit at any point.
(b) Annually, not later than March 1, the executive office shall report on the activities of the fund from the previous calendar year to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means, the joint committee on health care financing, the joint committee on public health and the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies. The executive office may promulgate regulations or issue guidance to implement this section.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-477
EHS 477
Meals on Wheels
Messrs. Cyr and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Montigny, Collins, Fernandes, Eldridge and Keenan, Ms. Edwards and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1900, by striking out the figure "$12,657,217" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-478-R1
Redraft EHS 478
Neighbors in Need
Messrs. Finegold and Tarr 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 Neighbors in Need, Inc. to support the operation of a food and diaper pantry serving the cities of Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen and the towns of Andover and North Andover”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-478
EHS 478
Neighbors in Need
Mr. Finegold 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 Neighbors in Need, Inc. to support the operation of a food and diaper pantry serving the cities of Haverhill and Lawrence and the towns of Andover and North Andover”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-479
EHS 479
Nursing Facility Workforce and Access
Messrs. Finegold, Brady, Gómez, Durant, Moore, Fattman and Keenan, Mrs. Dooner, Messrs. Driscoll, Payano, Kennedy, Eldridge and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0641, by striking out the figure "$102,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$132,000,000"; and by striking out the figure "$625,073,456" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$655,073,456".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-482
EHS 482
Health Safety Net Funding Relief
Messrs. Finegold, Lewis, Gómez and Moore, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Keenan and Payano, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Collins, Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 84, by striking out the words “may transfer up to $15,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “shall transfer not less than $230,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-483
EHS 483
Heywood Hospital
Messrs. Cronin and Durant 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 $3,000,000 shall be expended for Heywood Hospital in the city of Gardner to support operations”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,100,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-484
EHS 484
RICKY, Inc
Messrs. Rush and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following: “; provided, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for RICKY, Inc. in the town of Norwood for the delivery of substance use recovery care materials to homeless individuals with substance use and mental health disorders within the Greater Boston region”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-485
EHS 485
Detention Diversion Advocacy Program
Mr. Barrett moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0200, by adding 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”; and by striking out the figure “$30,941,775” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$31,541,775”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-486
EHS 486
Shirley Council on Aging
Mr. Cronin 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 $15,000 shall be expended to the town of Shirley for infrastructure upgrades for the Shirley Council on Aging”; and by striking out the figure "$29,522,592" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$29,537,592”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-488
EHS 488
Services for Children and Families
Messrs. Barrett and 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 the Fragile Beginnings program, the 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 “$347,707,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$348,207,804”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-489
EHS 489
LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth
Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Lewis and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0005, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to BAGLY, Inc. to provide innovative job training and wraparound support to LGBTQ+ homeless youth"; and by striking the figure “$12,600,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$13,100,000”.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-490-R1
Redraft EHS 490
Access to Children’s Behavioral Health Services
Messrs. Cyr, Eldridge and Tarr, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Collins, O'Connor and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that there shall be a special commission which shall consist of: the secretary of health and human services, or a designee from the office of the secretary, who shall serve as chair; the assistant secretary of MassHealth or a designee; the commissioner of mental health or a designee; the commissioner of children and families or a designee; the commissioner of insurance or a designee; the commissioner of early education and care or a designee; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery or their designees; a representative of Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.; a representative of Children’s League of Massachusetts, Inc.; a representative of Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, Inc.’s Children’s Mental Health Campaign; a representative of Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.; a representative of Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Inc.; a representative of Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, Inc.; and a representative of the Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Inc.; provided further, that not later than June 30, 2026, the commission shall submit a special report to the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the joint committee on health care financing and the senate and house committees on ways and means detailing recommendations for improving access to behavioral health services for children and families; provided further, that the special report shall include, but not be limited to: (aa) a list of the behavioral health services, including services and treatment for substance use disorder and for autism spectrum disorder, available to children and adolescents under 22 years of age; (bb) a list of common challenges that children, adolescents and families face in seeking behavioral health services including, but not limited to, challenges associated with program eligibility criteria, affordability and cost-sharing, insurance or state program denials, application processes and service authorization processes, staffing, wait times and geography; (cc) recommended policies to address challenges identified under clause (bb) and for streamlining access to behavioral health services for children, adolescents and families including, but not limited to, adolescent continuing care inpatient and residential treatment services; (dd) a review of state funding dedicated to behavioral health services for children across state agencies and MassHealth and an examination of the impact of how such funding is used to maximize the delivery of services and available federal resources; (ee) analysis of the feasibility and effects of creating a single integrated children’s behavioral health agency; (ff) a 3-year strategic plan for the delivery of behavioral health services for children and families that considers all providers and payers; and (gg) any matters deemed relevant by the commission; provided further, that the secretary of health and human services shall make the report publicly available online".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-490
EHS 490
Access to Children’s Behavioral Health Services
Messrs. Cyr, Eldridge and Tarr, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Collins, O'Connor and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, “provided further, that there shall be a special commission to study available behavioral health services and to make recommendations for improving access to behavioral health services for children and families in the commonwealth, which shall consist of the secretary of health and human services or a designee from the office of the secretary, who shall serve as chair; the assistant secretary of MassHealth or a designee; the commissioner of mental health or a designee; the commissioner of developmental services or a designee, the commissioner of children and families or a designee; the commissioner of insurance or a designee, the commissioner of early education and care or a designee; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee, the chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery or their designees; the chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities or their designees; a representative from the office of the child advocate; a representative of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.; a representative of the Children’s League of Massachusetts; a representative of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign; a representative of Health Law Advocates’ Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids; a representative of the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems; a representative of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association; a representative of the Massachusetts Medical Society, a representative of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health; a representative of the Parent/Professional League; a representative of the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity, and 4 individuals to be appointed by the chair, 1 of whom shall be a parent with experience seeking behavioral health services for a child enrolled in MassHealth; 1 of whom shall be a parent with experience seeking services for a child from the department of mental health, 1 of whom shall be a family member or caregiver of a child who has received behavioral health services while in the care of the department of children and families, and 1 of whom shall be a parent of a child with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder and behavioral health needs with experience seeking services from the department of developmental services, provided further, that all appointments shall be made not later than 30 days after the effective date of this resolve and the chair shall meet with the commission not later than 60 days after the effective date of this resolve, provided further, that the commission shall: (i) identify the range of behavioral health services, including services and treatment for substance use disorder and for autism spectrum disorder, available to children and adolescents under the age of 22 in the commonwealth; (ii) identify, and quantify to the extent possible, the challenges children, adolescents, and families face in seeking behavioral health services across the commonwealth, including but not limited to, access, affordability, cost-sharing, administrative requirements, programmatic complexities, insurance or state program denials, staffing, wait times and geography; (iii) review the eligibility criteria, application processes, and service authorization processes, including processes for accessing adolescent continuing care inpatient and residential treatment services, for children and adolescents seeking services through the departments of mental health and developmental services ; (iv) review the effectiveness of policies and adherence to policies that seek to ensure access to quality behavioral health care for children and adolescents in the care of the department of children and families; (v) review access challenges specific to commercial insurance coverage for behavioral health services for children and adolescents, including but not limited to, clarity regarding services covered, prior authorization, cost-sharing, billing complexities and administrative requirements; (vi) review state funding dedicated to behavioral health services for children across state agencies and MassHealth, and examine the impact of how those funds are used to maximize the delivery of services and available federal resources; and (vii) examine other matters deemed relevant by the commission, provided further, that based on the commission’s finding, the commission shall make recommendations for improving access to behavioral health services for children and adolescents in the commonwealth through suggested policy changes including consideration of creating a single integrated children’s behavioral health agency, proposed funding modifications, and the development of a 5-year strategic plan for the delivery of behavioral health services for children and families that considers all providers and payers; provided further, that the commission shall submit its findings, recommendations, and strategic plan to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, the joint committee on children, family and persons with disabilities, the joint committee on health care financing, and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2026; and provided further, that the secretary of health and human services shall make the report publicly available on the website of the executive office of health and human services
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-491
EHS 491
Mental Health Services
Messrs. Collins, Mark and O'Connor 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 $250,000 shall be expended to the Department of Mental Health for outreach and engagement services for those suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues as well as homelessness, within the communities surrounding the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard including the South End, Roxbury, South Boston, Chinatown and Dorchester neighborhoods in the city of Boston; provided further the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health shall issues new regulations on the discharge protocol of patients being served by programs and facilities overseeing by the Department of Mental Health"; and by striking out the figure “$689,980,438” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$690,230,438”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-491-R1
Redraft EHS 491
Mental Health Services
Messrs. Collins, Mark and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5046-0000, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that the department shall issue updated regulations to improve protocols for the discharge of patients being served by programs and facilities overseen by the department"; and by striking out the figure “$15,500,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure “$19,000,000”; and by striking out the figure “$689,980,438” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$693,480,438”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-492
EHS 492
Worcester Community Midwifery
Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Collins, Moore and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not more than $100,000 shall be expended to Worcester Community Midwifery to provide midwifery care and birth center services to families across the commonwealth” ; and by striking out the figure “$158,090,882” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$158,190,882”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-492-R1
Redraft EHS 492
Worcester Community Midwifery
Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Collins, Moore, Eldridge, Fernandes and Payano, Ms. Rausch and Mr. 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 $100,000 shall be expended to Worcester Community Midwifery, Inc. to provide midwifery care and birth center services to families across the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$158,090,882” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$158,190,882”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-493
EHS 493
YWCAs
Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Montigny, Gómez, Cronin, Tarr, Eldridge, Payano, Lewis, Velis, O'Connor, Oliveira and Brady, Ms. Lovely and Messrs. Moore and Finegold 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: FY2026-S3-495-R1
Redraft EHS 495
Benefits Owed to Foster Children (ABLE Accounts)
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 36 the following 2 sections:-
“SECTION 36A. Section 23 of chapter 119 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-
(j) The department shall comply with section 23D by providing benefit management services to children and young adults in the department’s care, custody or responsibility, including eligibility screening, representative payee or fiduciary assistance, as defined in said section 23D, notice, benefits accounting, conservation of benefits and other services relative to benefits, as defined in said section 23D.
SECTION 36B. Said chapter 119 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 23C the following section:-
Section 23D. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Benefits”, (i) benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, also referred to as “Supplemental Security Income” or “SSI”; (ii) benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act, also referred to as “Retirement, Survivors or Disability Insurance Benefits” or “RSDI”; or (iii) other federal benefits.
“Representative payee or fiduciary”, any person or entity designated to receive benefits for a minor child or young adult under the agency rules governing such benefits.
(b) Not more than 60 days after a child is committed to custody of the department, including, but not limited to, placement in foster care under a voluntary placement agreement or court-ordered custody arrangement, the department shall make all reasonable efforts to identify whether the child is receiving or may be eligible to receive benefits. In reviewing eligibility, the department shall consult with the parents and other individuals who may have information about the child’s eligibility. If the department determines, or has cause to believe, that the child may be eligible for benefits, it shall apply for benefits on the child’s behalf. If the agency administering such benefits denies the application, the department may appeal the decision as permitted by the agency administering the benefits. The department shall review cases of children in foster care annually to determine whether the child may have become eligible for benefits after the initial assessment determined them to be ineligible or whether the child may be eligible for new benefits after the initial assessment. The department shall seek federal foster care reimbursement for a child only if such reimbursement will not impact the child’s eligibility for benefits or the dollar amount of benefits.
(c) The department may apply to be the representative payee or fiduciary of a child under its care and custody if the child is already receiving benefits prior to entering the department’s custody. The department may also apply to be the representative payee or fiduciary if the department is applying for benefits for the child. The department shall consider whether applying to become the child’s representative payee or fiduciary will undermine the goal of reunification and be contrary to the child’s best interests.
(d) The department shall provide timely notice to counsel for a child in its care and custody and the counsel for the parent, parents or legal guardian or guardians of the child of: (i) the department’s submission of an application for benefits on the child’s behalf; (ii) the department’s submission of a request to become the child’s representative payee or fiduciary; (iii) the decision of an agency received by the department regarding benefits including denial, termination or reduction in benefits; (iv) the department’s decision on whether to appeal an adverse benefits eligibility determination; (v) the outcome of any appeal filed in response to a benefits eligibility determination; and (vi) the department’s receipt of any notice of an eligibility redetermination.
No notice shall be provided to a parent for whom a decree to dispense with consent to adoption has been entered under paragraph (4) of subsection (b) of section 26.
(e) The department shall maintain an accounting of a child’s benefits when the department is the child’s representative payee or fiduciary and shall make current accounting information available to the child’s counsel electronically or by other means. The accounting information shall include: (i) the amount and source of benefits collected by the department and credited to any account maintained on behalf of the child; (ii) the balance of any account maintained on behalf of the child; (iii) any amounts deducted by the department and the reasons for the deductions; and (iv) information regarding all the child’s assets and resources, including benefits, insurance, cash assets, trust accounts and earnings if such assets or resources are controlled by the department. The department shall provide such accounting information to the court at permanency hearings, at other court proceedings, as necessary, or upon request.
(f) The department shall not use a child’s benefits to reimburse the commonwealth for the child’s placement in foster care if the department is the child’s representative payee or fiduciary. The department shall ensure that if the child is receiving supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, any funds retained on the child’s behalf are kept in a manner that does not exceed any federal asset or resource limit that would affect the child’s eligibility to continue receiving such benefits. Benefits held by the department as a representative payee or fiduciary may be spent on the child’s unmet needs, which would not ordinarily be funded by another source, subject to program rules for the use of such benefits, or otherwise conserved for the child. For a child who is a recipient of supplemental security income or other federal means-tested benefits with an asset or resource limit, the department shall conserve any funds that are above the federal asset or resource limits for such benefits in an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, authorized by 26 U.S.C. 529A, as amended or another account for the child determined not to interfere with federal asset or resource limits for any other federal means-tested benefit program. For a child who is not receiving supplemental security income or other federal means-tested benefits with an asset or resource limit, the department shall place excess funds in an interest-bearing account or other savings or investment vehicle for the benefit of the child. The department shall keep retroactive benefits received if the department is the child’s representative payee or fiduciary as required by the program rules of the agency administering such benefits.
(g) The department shall take steps to conserve the benefits of children under its care and custody who are receiving benefits to assist them in the transition to adulthood and living independently. The department shall establish accounts as specified in subsection (e) in conserving a child’s benefits. The department shall work actively with the agency administering such benefits and the child to ensure that when the child leaves foster care, becomes eligible for direct payment or another representative payee is identified, all payments of benefits or conserved funds will be: (i) returned to the agency following program rules; or (ii) upon agreement by the agency, if necessary, transferred to the child or to a new representative payee or fiduciary.
(h) The department shall provide a child under its care and custody who is not less than 14 years old and the child’s legal counsel with ongoing financial information regarding the eligibility for benefits, as well as the existence, amount, availability, past use and limitations of funds conserved for the child; provided, however, that such information shall be tailored to the individual child based on age and other factors. For a youth not less than 17 years of age, financial information shall also include basic guidance on and assistance with understanding budgeting and money management, including checking and savings accounts, tailored to the youth.
(i) Beginning at 14 years of age, the department shall provide each child under its care and custody with ongoing financial literacy training and support and tailored to the child based on age and other factors. Financial literacy and support may include, but not be limited to, information on: (i) budgeting; (ii) money management; (iii) informed decision-making; (iv) banking, checking and savings accounts; (v) credit card counseling; (vi) managing debt; (vii) planning for financial security and stability; (viii) financing options for post-secondary education or training; (ix) long term asset-building; and (x) available community and agency services. Financial literacy resources concerning the use of conserved funds shall also be made available to all parents, guardians and adoptive parents who gain access to funds conserved by the department.
(j) Annually, the department shall submit a report to the senate and house committees on ways and means, the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the clerks of the senate and house of representative and the secretary of administration and finance. The report shall include: (i) the numbers of children in the department’s care and custody receiving benefits for which the department is the representative payee or fiduciary; (ii) the numbers of children in the department’s care or custody who are receiving SSI, RSDI or other federal benefits; (iii) the dollar amount of benefits being conserved by the department; (iv) the number and type of accounts established by the department on behalf of such children; and (v) to the extent such data is available, the number of children in the department’s care or custody: (A) who were screened for eligibility for benefits and whether such screening occurred within 60 days of being committed to the department’s custody, and if not, the date of the screening and reason for the delay; (B) who were already receiving benefits after screening; and (C) for whom the department submitted applications for benefits, by type of application, and the outcome of those applications, including the number of appeals filed; provided, however, that if such data is not available, the department shall provide information regarding its ongoing efforts to gather and report upon such information.
(k) The department shall continue to administer the benefits of young adults aged 18 to 22, inclusive, for whom the department was previously appointed representative payee or fiduciary, subject to the same requirements set forth in subsections (a) to (j), inclusive and subject to the young adult’s consent. The department shall continue to provide financial literacy training under subsection (i) to young adults who become eligible for direct payment of benefits and continue to receive young adult services from the department.
(l) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement this section.”; and
by inserting after section 86 the following section:-
“SECTION 86A. The department of children and families shall promulgate regulations to implement section 23 of chapter 119 of the General Laws not more than 90 days after the effective date of this act.”; and
by inserting after section 89 the following section:-
“SECTION 89A. Subsections (d), (h) and (i) of section 23D of chapter 119 of the General Laws shall take effect on January 1, 2027; provided, however, that the department shall make best efforts to ensure compliance with said subsections (d), (h) and (i) as of the effective date of this act.”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-495
EHS 495
Benefits Owed to Foster Children (ABLE Accounts)
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended Ms. Kennedy moves that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section XX the following sections:-
“SECTION XX. Section 21 of chapter 119 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Appropriate Services” the following definition:-
“Benefits”, benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, also referred to as “Supplemental Security Income” or “SSI”; benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act, also referred to as “Retirement, Survivors or Disability Insurance Benefits” or “RSDI”; or other federal benefits.
SECTION XX. Section 21 of chapter 119, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Relative” the following definition:-
“Representative Payee or Fiduciary”, any person or entity designated to receive benefits for a minor child under the agency rules governing such benefits.
SECTION XX. Section 23 of chapter 119, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after subsection (i) the following subsection:-
(j) The department shall comply with section 23D, by providing benefit management services to children and young adults in the department’s care, custody, or responsibility, including eligibility screening, representative payee or fiduciary assistance, notice, benefits accounting, conservation of benefits and other services relative to benefits.
SECTION XX. Chapter 119 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 23C the following section:-
Section 23D. (a) When a child is placed in foster care under a voluntary placement agreement or court-ordered custody, the department shall make all reasonable efforts to identify within 60 days of the child being committed to custody of the department whether the child is already receiving or may be eligible to receive benefits. In reviewing eligibility, the department shall consult with the parents and others who may have information about the child’s eligibility. If the department determines, or has cause to believe, that the child may be eligible for benefits, it shall apply for benefits on the child’s behalf. If the agency administering such benefits denies the application, the department may appeal the decision. The department shall review cases of children in foster care annually to determine whether the child may have become eligible for benefits after the initial assessment. DCF will only seek federal foster care reimbursement for a child if such reimbursement will not impact the child’s eligibility for benefits or the amount of benefits.
(b) If the child is already receiving benefits prior to entering department custody, the department may apply to be the child’s representative payee or fiduciary. If the department is applying for benefits for the child, the department may also apply to be the representative payee or fiduciary. Where the goal is reunification, the department shall consider whether applying to become the child’s representative payee or fiduciary will undermine the goal of reunification and be contrary to the child’s best interests.
(c) The department shall provide timely notice for each of the following events:
(i) The department submits an application for benefits;
(ii) The department submits a request to become the child’s representative payee;
(iii) the department receives notice of the agency’s decision regarding benefits including denial, termination or reduction in benefits;
(iv) the department decides whether or not to appeal an adverse determination, including the outcome of any appeal filed; and
(v) the department receives notice of an eligibility redetermination.
Notice shall be provided to counsel for the child, as well as counsel for the parent or parents or legal guardian or guardians, except that no notice shall be provided to a parent for whom a decree to dispense with consent to adoption has been entered under paragraph 4 of section 26 of chapter 119.
The notice provisions of this section 23D of chapter 119 of the General Laws shall go into effect 18 months after the enactment of this act. Until the effective implementation date, the department shall make best efforts to ensure compliance with the notice requirements of section 23D of chapter 119 of the General Laws.
(d) When the department is the child’s representative payee or fiduciary, it shall maintain an accounting of the child’s benefits, and shall make available to child’s counsel current accounting information electronically or by other means. The accounting information shall include (1) the amount and source of benefits collected by the department and credited to any account maintained on behalf of the child; (2) the balance of any account maintained on behalf of the child; (3) any amounts deducted by the department and the reasons for the deductions; and (4) information regarding all the child’s assets and resources, including benefits, insurance, cash assets, trust accounts, and earnings if such assets or resources are controlled by the department. The department shall provide such accounting information to the court at permanency hearings, at other court proceedings, as necessary, or upon request.
(e) If the department is the child’s representative payee or fiduciary, the Department shall not use such benefits to reimburse the Commonwealth for the child’s placement in foster care. If the child is receiving SSI benefits, the department shall ensure that any funds retained on the child’s behalf are kept in a manner that does not exceed any federal asset or resource limit that would affect the child’s eligibility to continue receiving SSI benefits. Benefits held by the department as a representative payee or fiduciary may be spent on the child’s unmet needs, which would not ordinarily be funded by another source, subject to program rules for the use of such benefits, or otherwise conserved for the child. Any funds administered for SSI recipients above the federal asset or resource limits shall be conserved in an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, authorized by Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or another account for the child determined not to interfere with federal asset or resource limits for any other federal means-tested benefit program. If the child is not receiving SSI or other federal means-tested benefits with an asset or resource limit, the department shall place excess funds in an interest-bearing account or other savings or investment vehicle for the benefit of the child. If the department is the child’s representative payee or fiduciary and receives retroactive benefits for the child, those funds shall be kept as required by the program rules of the agency administering such benefits.
(f) The department shall take steps to conserve the benefits of children receiving benefits under this paragraph to assist them in the transition to adulthood and living independently. The department shall establish accounts as specified in subsection (e) in conserving a child’s benefits. The department shall work actively with the agency administering such benefits and the child to ensure that when the child leaves foster care, becomes eligible for direct payment, or another representative payee is identified, all payments of benefits or conserved funds shall be (1) returned to the agency following program rules; or (2) upon agreement by the agency, if necessary, transferred to the child or to a new representative payee or fiduciary.
(g) The department shall provide the child with ongoing financial information regarding the eligibility for benefits, as well as the existence, amount, availability, use, and limitations of funds conserved for the child, beginning at 14 years of age and tailored to the individual child. For youth ages 17 of age or older, financial information shall also include basic assistance with understanding budgeting and money management, checking and savings accounts, tailored to the individual child.
(h) The department shall provide the child with ongoing financial literacy training and support, beginning at 14 years of age and tailored to the individual child. This program may include, but need not be limited to, topics such as: budgeting; money management; informed decision-making; banking, checking and savings accounts; credit card counseling; managing debt; planning for financial security and stability; financing post-secondary education or training; long term asset-building; and community and agency services. Financial literacy resources concerning the use of conserved funds shall also be made available to all parents, guardians, and adoptive parents gaining access to funds conserved by the department. The financial literacy requirements set forth in M.G.L. c. 119, Sec 23D(h) shall go into effect 18 months after the enactment of this act. Until the effective implementation date, the department shall make best efforts to ensure compliance with the financial literacy requirements set forth in this paragraph.
(i) The department shall provide an annual report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, the clerks of the house and the senate and the secretary of the executive office of administration and finance, not later than December 31; provided, the report shall set forth: (1) the numbers of children in the department’s care and custody receiving benefits for which the department is the representative payee or fiduciary; (2) the numbers of children in the department’s care or custody who are receiving SSI, RSDI or other federal benefits; (3) the amount of benefits being conserved by the department; and (4) the number and type of accounts established by the department on behalf of such children.
(j) To the extent such data is available, the report shall also set forth the numbers of children in the department’s care or custody, (1) who were screened for eligibility for benefits; and whether such screening occurred within 60 days of being committed to the department’s custody, and if not, the date of the screening and reasons for the delay; (2) who were already receiving benefits after screening; and (3) for whom the department submitted applications for benefits, by type of application, and the outcome of those applications, including the number of appeals filed; providing however, that if such data is not available, the department shall provide information to such committees as to its ongoing efforts to be able to gather and report upon such information.
(k) In administering the benefits of young adults ages 18 to 22 for whom the department is acting as a representative payee or fiduciary, the department shall comply with the requirements for children under subsections (a) through (j). The department shall continue to provide financial literacy training under paragraph (h) to young adults who become eligible for direct payment of benefits and continue to receive young adult services from the department.
SECTION XX. Not later than 90 days after the effective date of this act, the secretary of the executive office of health and human services shall promulgate regulations as necessary to implement section 23D of chapter 119 of the General Laws, as inserted by this act. The notice provisions of this section 23D of chapter 119 of the General Laws shall go into effect 18 months after the enactment of this act. Until the effective implementation date, the department shall make best efforts to ensure compliance with the notice requirements of section 23D of chapter 119 of the General Laws. The financial literacy requirements set forth in subsection (h) of section 23D of chapter 119 shall go into effect 18 months after the enactment of this act. Until the effective implementation date, the department shall make best efforts to ensure compliance with the financial literacy requirements set forth in said subsection (h).”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-497
EHS 497
Pernet Family Health Services of Worcester
Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by inserting after the words “maternal and infant mortality” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be allocated to Pernet Family Health Services of Worcester for the Fourth Trimester Screening Program”; and in said item by striking out the figures “$13,853,103” and inserting in place thereof the figures: “$13,953,103”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-497-R1
Redraft EHS 497
Pernet Family Health Services of Worcester
Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Moore 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 $100,000 shall be expended to Pernet Family Health Services in the city of Worcester for its fourth trimester screening program”; and by striking out the figure “$13,853,103” and inserting in place thereof the following figures:- “$13,953,103”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-499
EHS 499
Turning 22
Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Mark, Gómez and Moore, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Fernandes, Collins, O'Connor, Brady and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5920-5000, by striking out the figure “$110,653,565” and inserting in place thereof the figure “$117,353,565".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-500
EHS 500
LGBTQIA+ Elders
Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Cyr 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 $60,000 shall be allocated to the Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Inc for the operation of a statewide Virtual Senior Center for LGBTQIA+ older adults"; and by striking out the figure “$29,522,592” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$29,582,692”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-501
EHS 501
Funding to Replace Stolen Nutrition Benefits
Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Gómez, Cronin, Rush, Keenan, Tarr, Payano, Collins, Eldridge, Brady, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after line-item 4400-1025 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………………$10,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-502
EHS 502
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4000-0007 the following item:
“4000-0014 For the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Inc. to train community health workers to serve as the patient link to medical and social services for the disenfranchised population throughout the Worcester and MetroWest regions… $200,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-504
EHS 504
Independent Living Centers
Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Mark, Keenan, Payano, Fernandes, O'Connor, Brady and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-0200, by striking out the figure “$8,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-504-R1
Redraft EHS 504
Independent Living Centers
Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Mark, Keenan, Payano, Fernandes, O'Connor, Brady, Eldridge and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4120-0200, by striking out the figure “$8,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-505
EHS 505
Human Service Wages
Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Mark, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Cronin, Moore, Eldridge, Keenan, Payano, Fernandes, Collins, Brady and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1599-6903, by inserting after the words “defined by the executive office” the following words:- "; and provided further, that in no instance shall a rate implementation be established utilizing a lower percentile of the wage estimate for each position utilized for the previous two-year rate as determined by the most recently available Bureau of Labor Statistics state-specific data for Massachusetts".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-506
EHS 506
Housing Families
Messrs. Lewis and Eldridge 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 Housing Families, Inc. in the city of Malden for technological infrastructure improvements to support community based health services"; and by striking out the figure "$150,090,882" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,190,882".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-507
EHS 507
Medical Peer Support
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 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 “$17,000,545” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$17,500,545”; and by inserting after section 8 the following new section:-
Section X. Chapter 10 of the General Laws shall be amended by inserting after section 35M the following section:-
Section 35M ½. There shall be established upon the books of the commonwealth a separate fund to be known as the Medical Peer Support Trust Fund to be used, without prior appropriation, by the physician health program authorized as a diversionary program by the board of registration in medicine pursuant to section 5F of chapter 112 of the general laws and 243 CMR 2.07(23)(b). The Medical Peer Support Trust Fund shall be financed by a surcharge of $50 on each license renewal or issuance of a new license to be collected by the board of registration in medicine for every physician licensed under section 2 of chapter 112 of the general laws in addition to other license fees. All monies deposited into said fund shall be expended exclusively by the authorized physician health program for its operations and administration and shall not be subject to appropriation by the general court.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-508
EHS 508
Boys & Girls Clubs
Messrs. Kennedy, Velis, Gómez, Lewis, Cronin, Durant, Eldridge, Fernandes and Payano, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. O'Connor and Oliveira, Ms. Lovely, Ms. Creem, Messrs. Montigny and Collins, Ms. Miranda and Messrs. Mark and Tarr 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 "$7,200,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-509-R1
Redraft EHS 509
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 $140,000 shall be expended to Friendly House, Inc. for the operation of the Office for New Americans in the city of Worcester"; and by striking out the figure “$1,305,256” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,445,256”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-509
EHS 509
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 “$1,305,256” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,395,356”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-511
EHS 511
Improving Pediatric Cancer Research
Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Tarr and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ____ the following section:-
"Section XXXX. (a) There is hereby established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a Pediatric Cancer Research and Resource Project Trust Fund for the purpose of providing grants for pediatric cancer research projects and pediatric cancer resource projects in the commonwealth.
(b) The fund shall be credited with: (i) appropriations or other money authorized or transferred by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; (ii) funds from public and private sources, including, but not limited to gifts, grants and donations; and (iii) any interest earned on such money.
(c) Subject to appropriation, amounts credited to the fund shall be used for grants for pediatric cancer research and pediatric cancer resource projects in the commonwealth. Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund.
(d) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Pediatric cancer research project”, a scientific research project focusing on the causes, prevention, education, screening, treatment or cure of pediatric cancer, or the symptoms or effects experienced by patients following completion of a course of treatment for pediatric cancer, and may include basic, clinical and epidemiologic research.
“Pediatric cancer resource project”, a community-based educational, informational, awareness and financial resource project that improves the lives of individuals afflicted by pediatric cancer through an enhanced understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and long-term impacts of childhood cancer and provides support to reduce its emotional, educational and financial burden.
SECTION XXXX. The executive office of health and human services shall establish a permanent advisory committee to award and allocate grants for pediatric cancer research and pediatric cancer resource projects in the commonwealth. The advisory committee’s membership shall consist of 7 members appointed by the secretary of health and human services 2 of whom shall be survivors of pediatric cancer or caregivers to individuals with pediatric cancer, 1 of whom shall be a representative of a nationwide childhood cancer advocacy non-profit and 4 of whom shall be professionals from the childhood cancer field.
Not later than August 1, the executive office of health and human services shall submit an annual report to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, Joint Committee on Public Health, And Joint Committee on Healthcare Finance detailing the number, amounts and recipients of the grants awarded pursuant to section XXXX of chapter 29 of the General Laws, the resulting research and other relevant information as requested by the special committee."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-512
EHS 512
Youth at Risk
Messrs. Cyr, O'Connor and Cronin and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by striking out the figure “$2,550,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,050,000”; and by striking out the figure “$7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure “$7,700,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-513
EHS 513
Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
Messrs. Cronin, Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $5,000,000 shall be expended to provide technical assistance and training to the service systems of medication management, medication-assisted treatment and treatment of co-occurring disorders”; and in said item by striking out the figures "$179,642,798" and inserting in place thereof the figures:-"$184,642,798".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-516
EHS 516
Marie’s Mission Diaper Bank
Ms. Kennedy and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0300, by inserting after the words “June 30, 2026” the following words:- “ ; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to Marie’s Mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts to support the free diaper program for the children and families in the greater Worcester area” ; and by striking out the figure “$158,090,882” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$158,115,882”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-519
EHS 519
Cambridge Community Center
Mr. DiDomenico 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 $150,000 shall be expended for continued capital improvements to the Cambridge community center and for the expansion of their community-based behavioral health program"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "250,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-520
EHS 520
BRAVE for Veterans, Inc
Messrs. DiDomenico and O'Connor 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 $250,000 shall be expended to BRAVE for Veterans, Incorporated to support research programs benefiting veterans in the Commonwealth"; and in by striking out the figure "$9,678,473" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,928,473".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-521
EHS 521
Duchenne Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School
Messrs. DiDomenico and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely 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 $250,000 shall be expended to the Duchenne Program at the University of Massachusetts medical school, to advance clinical care, research, and innovation for patients with complex disorders affecting the human nervous system”; and in said item, by striking out the figure "$12,557,534" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$12,807,534".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-522
EHS 522
Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty
Messrs. DiDomenico and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Gómez, Mark, Rush, Cronin and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Keenan, Payano, Brady, Fernandes and Collins, Ms. Jehlen, Mr. Cyr, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4403-2000, by striking out the following words:- “fiscal year 2025” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the month of April 2025, plus an additional ten per cent beginning in the month of January 2026 above the standard in effect in the month of April 2025”; and by striking out the figure “$466,729,423” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$486,929,423”; and
In section 2, in item 4408-1000, by striking the following words:- “fiscal year 2025” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the month of April 2025, plus an additional ten per cent beginning in the month of January 2026 above the standard in effect in the month of April 2025”; and by striking out the figure “$208,990,924” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$219,190,924”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-523
EHS 523
ALS Association
Messrs. DiDomenico, Tarr and O'Connor, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1112, by inserting after the words "youth tobacco use prevention and cessation programs" the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the ALS Association to provide care services for individuals suffering with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis”; and by striking out the figure "$12,557,534" and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - "$12,807,534".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-524
EHS 524
Pediatric Palliative Care
Messrs. DiDomenico, Gómez, Keenan and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge, Tarr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by striking out the figure "$10,400,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - "$10,800,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-524-R1
Redraft EHS 524
Pediatric Palliative Care
Messrs. DiDomenico, Gómez, Keenan and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge, Tarr and Montigny, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1503, by striking out the figure "$10,440,965" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$10,840,965"; and by striking out the figure “$13,853,103” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,253,103”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-525
EHS 525
Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic
Messrs. Cronin and O'Connor 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 $25,000 shall be expended for the operation of a Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic, to be operated by the Massachusetts Dental Society”; and by striking out the figure “$12,557,534” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$12,582,534”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-526
EHS 526
Cliff Effect Program
Messrs. Gómez, Oliveira, Velis, Mark and Keenan 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 $150,000 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 “$107,462,031” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$107,612,031.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-526-R1
Redraft EHS 526
Cliff Effect Program
Messrs. Gómez, Oliveira, Velis, Mark, Keenan and Eldridge, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Lovely and Ms. Rausch 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 its 3-year pilot program to mitigate cliff effects for low-income families in the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$107,462,031” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$107,562,031.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-527-R1
Redraft EHS 527
Baystate Health Center
Messrs. Gómez 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 to the Baystate Brightwood Health Center in the city of Springfield for outreach to the neighborhoods served by the center, including in the North End section of the city of Springfield, to increase access to quality healthcare”; and by striking out the figure "$5,335,599" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,385,599".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-527
EHS 527
Baystate Health Center
Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, 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 "$5,335,599" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "5,385,599".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-528-R1
Redraft EHS 528
CRV YouthBuild
Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the New North Citizens Council, Inc. for the Connecticut River Valley YouthBuild program"; and by striking out the figure "$22,039,732" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$22,189,732".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-528
EHS 528
CRV YouthBuild
Mr. Gómez moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4200-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, Inc. to promote an equitable and inclusive small business ecosystem"; and by striking out the figure "$22,039,732" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$22,289,732".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-529
EHS 529
North End Housing Initiative
Messrs. Gómez and Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to North End Housing Initiative, Inc. to promote equitable access to safe, affordable housing"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figures "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-530
EHS 530
Personal Needs Allowance
Ms. Lovely, Messrs. Montigny and Eldridge, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Driscoll, Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Fernandes, Mark, O'Connor, Payano and Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0601, by inserting after the words “level shall be not less than," the words. ”$113.42 per month, and by striking the words, “the level established in fiscal year 2025,” and, by striking the amount at the end of the line item the figure of “$5,109,838,566,” and inserting in place thereof, the figure of “$5,120,838,566.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-531
EHS 531
North Shore Community Health Center - El Centro Project
Ms. Lovely 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 “$11,642,961” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “11,792,961."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-531-R1
Redraft EHS 531
North Shore Community Health Center - El Centro Project
Ms. Lovely 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, Inc. for costs associated with El Centro project including, but not limited to, costs associated with connecting public health and affordable housing"; and by striking out the figure “$11,642,961” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,792,961".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-532
EHS 532
North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (NAGLY)
Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that $25,000 shall be expended to the North Shore Alliance for GLBTQ+ Youth for the continuum of social, emotional, and mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth on Boston's North Shore”; and by striking out the figure “$7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,225,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-532-R1
Redraft EHS 532
North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth (NAGLY)
Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-1507, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth, Inc. for the continuum of social, emotional and mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth on Boston's North Shore”; and by striking out the figure “$7,200,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$7,225,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-533
EHS 533
Supporting School-Based Bridge Programs for Youth
Ms. Friedman, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Payano, Collins and Velis, Ms. Creem and Ms. Lovely 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 $500,000 shall be expended to enhance the commonwealth's capacity to support the development of school-based bridge programs for youth who have had prolonged absence due to hospitalization for physical or mental health care"; and by striking out the figure “$22,623,088” and in inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$23,123,088”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-535
EHS 535
Neighborhood Birth Center
Ms. Lovely, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Crighton, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Collins, Gómez, Rush, Lewis, Moore and Mark, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Payano, Fernandes, Eldridge, Tarr and O'Connor 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 $300,000 shall be expended for the Neighborhood Birth Center in the cities of Boston and the North Shore to provide perinatal health care and prenatal and postpartum support to birthing people,” and by striking out the figure "$13,853,103" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$14,153,103"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-536
EHS 536
DMH Case Management Report
Ms. Friedman, Messrs. Gómez and Collins, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Mark, Payano, Driscoll, Keenan and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. O'Connor, Tarr, Cyr, Montigny and Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5011-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that no later than the 15th day of each month, the department of mental health shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the joint committee on health care financing that shall include, but not be limited to, the following information from the previous month on department of mental health case management positions and caseloads for child and adult client cases: (i) the definitions of active and inactive client cases for department case management services; (ii) the number of active and inactive client cases for department case management services; (iii) the active and inactive caseload for each filled case manager position; (iv) the active and inactive caseload for each filled case manager supervisor position; (v) the number of full-time equivalent case manager positions; (vi) the number of case manager positions filled, vacant or on extended leave status; (vii) the number of full-time equivalent case manager supervisor positions; (viii) the number of case manager supervisor positions filled, vacant or on extended leave status; (ix) the definitions of encounters and collateral activities for department case management services; (x) the number of in-person encounters, telephonic encounters, and virtual encounters with each client or legally authorized representative for each filled case manager position and each filled case manager supervisor position; (xi) the number of collateral activities for each filled case manager position and each case manager supervisor position; (xii) the target caseloads and encounters as defined by the department to meet the needs of its clients for department case management services; (xiii) the number of clients on a waitlist for department case management services; and (xiv) the number of applications accepted and denied for department case management services"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-536-R1
Redraft EHS 536
DMH Case Management Report
Ms. Friedman, Messrs. Gómez and Collins, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Mark, Payano, Driscoll, Keenan and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. O'Connor, Tarr, Cyr, Montigny, Kennedy and Velis and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5011-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not later than the fifteenth day of each month, the department of mental health shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the joint committee on health care financing that shall include, but not be limited to, the following information from the previous month on department of mental health case management positions and caseloads for child and adult client cases: (i) the definitions of active and inactive client cases for department case management services; (ii) the number of active and inactive client cases for department case management services; (iii) the active and inactive caseload for each filled case manager position; (iv) the active and inactive caseload for each filled case manager supervisor position; (v) the number of full-time equivalent case manager positions; (vi) the number of case manager positions filled, vacant or on extended leave status; (vii) the number of full-time equivalent case manager supervisor positions; (viii) the number of case manager supervisor positions filled, vacant or on extended leave status; (ix) the definitions of encounters and collateral activities for department case management services; (x) the number of in-person encounters, telephonic encounters and virtual encounters with each client or legally authorized representative for each filled case manager position and each filled case manager supervisor position; (xi) the number of collateral activities for each filled case manager position and each case manager supervisor position; (xii) the target caseloads and encounters as defined by the department to meet the needs of its clients for department case management services; (xiii) the number of clients on a waitlist for department case management services; and (xiv) the number of applications accepted and denied for department case management services; provided further, that not less than 90 days prior to a change in the case management delivery service model, the department of mental health shall submit a report and a catalogue of best practices for publicly-operated case management services to 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".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-537
EHS 537
Regional Recovery Services
Ms. Rausch, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. Cronin 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 and divided equally to Grit & Grace Sober Living For Women in the town of Attleboro, Jeffrey’s House in the town of Fitchburg, Evergreen House, Inc. in the town of East Wareham, and Gilly’s House, Inc. in the town of Wrentham for sober housing facility improvements and operational costs”;
and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-538-R1
Redraft EHS 538
It Takes A Village
Mr. Mark 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 $25,000 shall be expended to It Takes A Village in the town of Huntington for postpartum and early parenting support for families in the western region of the commonwealth”; and by striking out the figure “$13,853,103” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$13,878,103”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-538
EHS 538
It Takes A Village
Mr. Mark 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 $50,000 shall be expended for It Takes A Village in the town of Huntington for postpartum and early parenting support for families in western Massachusetts”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-539
EHS 539
Southern Berkshire Volunteer 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 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 “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$175,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-539-R1
Redraft EHS 539
Southern Berkshire Volunteer 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 $50,000 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 “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-540
EHS 540
Children Services of Roxbury - Statewide Youth Mental Health and Family Stabilization Services
Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards 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 $500,000 shall be expended to Children Services of Roxbury to expand statewide youth mental health and family stabilization services and prevent out-of-home placements, mental health hospitalization, and DCF involvement;" and in said item, by striking out the figures “$131,563,724” and inserting in place thereof the following figures:- $132,063,724”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-541
EHS 541
Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
Ms. Friedman and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following sections:-
"SECTION A. Section 1 of chapter 6D of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Disproportionate share hospital” the following definition:-
“Early notice”, advanced notification by a pharmaceutical manufacturing company of a: (i) new drug, device or other product coming to market; or (ii) a price increase, as described in subsection (b) of section 15A.
SECTION B. Said section 1 of said chapter 6D, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Physician” the following definition:-
“Pipeline drug”, a prescription drug product containing a new molecular entity for which the sponsor has submitted a new drug application or biologics license application and received an action date from the United States Food and Drug Administration.
SECTION C. Said section 1 of said chapter 6D, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by adding the following definition:-
“Wholesale acquisition cost”, the cost of a prescription drug as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1395w-3a(c)(6)(B).
SECTION D. Said chapter 6D, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out section 2A, as so appearing, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 2A. The commission shall keep confidential all nonpublic clinical, financial, strategic or operational documents or information provided or reported to the commission in connection with any care delivery, quality improvement process, performance improvement plan, early notification or access and affordability improvement plan activities authorized under sections 7, 10, 14, 15, 15A, 24 or 25 of this chapter or under section 2GGGG of chapter 29 and shall not disclose the information or documents to any person without the consent of the entity providing or reporting the information or documents under said sections 7, 10, 14, 15, 15A, 24 or 25 of this chapter or under said section 2GGGG of said chapter 29, except in summary form in evaluative reports of such activities or when the commission believes that such disclosure should be made in the public interest after taking into account any privacy, trade secret or anticompetitive considerations. The confidential information and documents shall not be public records and shall be exempt from disclosure under clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4 or under chapter 66.
SECTION E. Said chapter 6D, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by inserting after section 15 the following section:-
Section 15A. (a) A pharmaceutical manufacturing company shall provide early notice to the commission in a manner described in this section for a: (i) pipeline drug; (ii) generic drug; or (iii) biosimilar drug. The commission shall provide nonconfidential information received under this section to the office of Medicaid, the division of insurance and the group insurance commission.
Early notice under this subsection shall be submitted to the commission in writing not later than 30 days after receipt of the United States Food and Drug Administration approval date.
For each pipeline drug, early notice shall include a brief description of the: (i) primary disease, health condition or therapeutic area being studied and the indication; (ii) route of administration being studied; (iii) clinical trial comparators; and (iv) estimated date of market entry. To the extent possible, information shall be collected using data fields consistent with those used by the federal National Institutes of Health for clinical trials.
For each pipeline drug, early notice shall include whether the drug has been designated by the United States Food and Drug Administration: (i) as an orphan drug; (ii) for fast track; (iii) as a breakthrough therapy; (iv) for accelerated approval; or (v) for priority review for a new molecular entity; provided, however, that notwithstanding clause (v), submissions for drugs in development that are designated as new molecular entities by the United States Food and Drug Administration shall be provided as soon as practical upon receipt of the relevant designations. For each generic drug, early notice shall include a copy of the drug label approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
(b) A pharmaceutical manufacturing company shall provide early notice to the commission if it plans to increase the wholesale acquisition cost of a: (i) brand-name drug by more than 15 per cent per wholesale acquisition cost unit during any 12-month period; or (ii) generic drug or biosimilar drug with a significant price increase as determined by the commission during any 12-month period. The commission shall provide non-confidential information received under this section to the office of Medicaid, the division of insurance and the group insurance commission.
Early notice under this subsection shall be submitted to the commission in writing not less than 60 days before the planned effective date of the increase.
A pharmaceutical manufacturing company required to notify the commission of a price increase under this subsection shall, not less than 30 days before the planned effective date of the increase, report to the commission any information regarding the price increase that is relevant to the commission including, but not limited to: (i) drug identification information; (ii) drug sales volume information; (iii) wholesale price and related information for the drug; (iv) net price and related information for the drug; (v) drug acquisition information, if applicable; (vi) revenue from the sale of the drug; and (vii) manufacturer costs.
(c) The commission shall conduct an annual study of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies subject to the requirements in subsections (a) and (b). The commission may contract with a third-party entity to implement this section.
(d) If a pharmaceutical manufacturing company fails to timely comply with the requirements under subsection (a) or subsection (b), or otherwise knowingly obstructs the commission’s ability to receive early notice under this section, including, but not limited to, providing incomplete, false or misleading information, the commission may impose appropriate sanctions against the manufacturer, including reasonable monetary penalties not to exceed $500,000, in each instance. The commission shall seek to promote compliance with this section and shall only impose a civil penalty on the manufacturer as a last resort. Amounts collected under this section shall be deposited into the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established in section 2EEEEEE of chapter 29.
SECTION F. Said chapter 6D, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by adding the following 2 sections:-
Section 24. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Eligible drug”, (i) a brand name drug or biologic, not including a biosimilar, that has a launch wholesale acquisition cost of $25,000 or more for a 1-year supply or full course of treatment; (ii) a biosimilar drug that has a launch wholesale acquisition cost that is not at least 15 per cent lower than the referenced brand biologic at the time the biosimilar is launched; (iii) a public health essential drug, as defined in subsection (f) of section 13 of chapter 17, with a significant price increase over a defined period of time as determined by the commission by regulation or with a wholesale acquisition cost of $10,000 or more for a 1-year supply or full course of treatment; (iv) all drugs selected pursuant to section 17Z of chapter 32A, section 10Z of chapter 118E, section 47CCC of chapter 175, section 8DD of chapter 176A, section 4DDD of chapter 176B and section 4VV of chapter 176G; (v) a brand name, generic, or biologic drug with a total aggregate annual spend by public and private payors of $25 million or more; or (vi) other prescription drug products which, due to their cost, (A) may have a significant negative impact on patient access, such as by significantly contributing to high patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, increased utilization management compared to other drugs, lack of coverage by payers, or similar factors as determined by the commission; or (B) may create significant affordability challenges for the state’s health care system and patients, such as by contributing significantly to increased premiums, costs to the state, or patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, by having a substantial impact on state programs involved in the provision of health care, by affecting the ability of the state and other entities that contribute to the health care Cost Growth Benchmark to meet said benchmark, or similar factors, as determined by the commission; provided, however, that the commission shall promulgate regulations to establish the type of prescription drug products classified under clause (v) prior to classification of any such prescription drug product under said clause (v), and the commission may adjust the dollar amounts in this definition from time to time for good cause including, but not limited to, inflation.
“Manufacturer”, a pharmaceutical manufacturer of an eligible drug, or, when applicable, the manufacturer of a delivery device selected pursuant to section 17Z of chapter 32A, section 10Z of chapter 118E, section 47CCC of chapter 175, section 8DD of chapter 176A, section 4DDD of chapter 176B and section 4VV of chapter 176G.
“Public health essential drug”, shall have the same meaning as defined in subsection (f) of section 13 of chapter 17.
(b)(1) The commission shall review: (i) the negative impact of eligible drug costs on patient access, such as by significantly contributing to high patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, increased utilization management compared to other drugs, lack of coverage by payers, or similar factors as determined by the commission; and (ii) the extent to which eligible drug costs have created or likely will create affordability challenges for the state’s health care system and patients, such as by contributing significantly to increased premiums, costs to the state, or patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, by having a substantial impact on state programs involved in the provision of health care, by affecting the ability of the state and other entities that contribute to the health care Cost Growth Benchmark to meet said benchmark, or similar factors, as determined by the commission; provided, however, that the commission may prioritize the review of eligible drugs based on the significance of the potential impact to patients under clause (i) or the significance of the potential affordability challenges under clause (ii).
(2) In conducting a review of eligible drugs, the commission shall consider:
(i) if available, information about the relevant factors contributing to the price paid and amount spent in the state for the drug, including the wholesale acquisition cost, change in price as compared to the launch price, annual price increases over time, discounts, rebates, or other price concessions, utilization trends, aggregate annual spending in the state on the drug, and the impact of the drug’s cost on the state budget;
(ii) the average patient co-pay or other cost-sharing for the drug in the state;
(iii) whether the cost of the drug contributes to inequities in health care access or outcomes;
(iv) the price and availability of therapeutic alternatives in the state;
(v) input from patients affected by the condition or disease treated by the drug and individuals with medical or scientific expertise related to the condition or disease treated by the drug;
(vi) input from other stakeholders, which may include, but shall not be limited to: patient advocacy organizations, consumer advocacy organizations, providers, provider organizations and payers; and
(vii) any other factors the commission deems relevant.
(3) In conducting a review of eligible drugs, the commission shall notify the manufacturer that the commission is reviewing the manufacturer’s drug, shall provide the manufacturer with the opportunity to provide relevant information about the drug’s pricing, and may request relevant information from the manufacturer of said eligible drug. Upon receiving a request for information from the commission, a manufacturer shall disclose to the commission, within a reasonable time period, as determined by the commission, applicable information relating to the manufacturer’s pricing of an eligible drug.
(4) The disclosed information shall be on a standard reporting form developed by the commission with the input of the manufacturers and shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) a schedule of the drug’s wholesale acquisition cost increases over the previous 5 calendar years;
(ii) the total amount of federal and state tax credits, incentives, grants and other subsidies provided to the manufacturer over the previous 10 calendar years that have been used to assist in the research and development of eligible drugs;
(iii) the manufacturer’s aggregate, company-level research and development and other relevant capital expenditures, including facility construction, for the most recent year for which final audited data are available;
(iv) a narrative description, absent proprietary information and written in plain language, of factors that contributed to reported changes in wholesale acquisition cost during the previous 5 calendar years;
(v) information regarding the drug’s prices, net of rebates, internationally and in Massachusetts; and
(vi) any other information that the manufacturer wishes to provide to the commission or that the commission requests.
(c)(1) Using the records and information provided under subsection (b), including information, if any, provided by the manufacturer, available information from the center, from an outside third party, from another state, from another agency or department within the Commonwealth, or that is otherwise available to the commission or any of its subdivisions, the commission shall identify a proposed value for eligible drugs the commission has reviewed pursuant to subsection (b). In identifying proposed values for eligible drugs, the commission may prioritize drugs based on the commission’s determination of the significance of the drug cost’s negative impact on patient access or the extent to which the drug’s cost has created or likely will create affordability challenges for the state’s health care system or patients, as described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this section.
(2) The commission shall base the proposed value on:
(i) the cost of delivering and administering the drug;
(ii) the status of the drug on the drug shortage list published by the Food and Drug Administration;
(iii) the drug’s status as an orphan drug; and
(iv) other factors the commission deems relevant in determining a drug’s value.
(3) The commission may request additional relevant information from the manufacturer and from other persons or entities, including, but not limited to, clinical experts, providers, pharmacy benefit managers and payers, and may base the proposed value on this additional information.
(4) Any information, analyses or reports regarding an eligible drug review shall be provided to the manufacturer. The commission shall consider any clarifications or data provided by the manufacturer with respect to the eligible drug. The commission shall not base its determination on the proposed value of the eligible drug solely on the analysis or research of an outside third party and shall not employ a measure or metric that assigns a reduced value to the life extension provided by a treatment based on a pre-existing disability or chronic health condition of the individuals whom the treatment would benefit. If the commission relies upon a third party to provide cost-effectiveness analysis or research related to the proposed value of the eligible drug, such analysis or research shall also include, but not be limited to: (i) a description of the methodologies and models used in the analysis; (ii) any assumptions and potential limitations of research findings in the context of the results; and (iii) outcomes for affected subpopulations that utilize the drug, including, but not limited to, potential impacts on individuals of marginalized racial or ethnic groups and on individuals with specific disabilities or health conditions who regularly utilize the eligible drug.
(d) If, after review of an eligible drug the commission determines that the cost of the eligible drug, as determined by the commission, does not substantially exceed the proposed value of the drug, the commission shall notify the manufacturer, in writing, of its determination and shall evaluate other ways to mitigate the eligible drug’s cost in order to improve patient access to the eligible drug and help address affordability challenges. For the purposes of this subsection, to “substantially exceed” shall mean to exceed by at least 15 per cent. However, the commission may determine that a drug’s cost does not substantially exceed the proposed value even if the cost exceeds the value by 15 per cent or more, if the commission has good cause for making such a determination. The commission may engage with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, patients, patient advocacy organizations, consumer advocacy organizations, providers, provider organizations and payers, to explore options for mitigating the cost of the eligible drug. Upon the conclusion of a stakeholder engagement process under this subsection, the commission shall issue recommendations on ways to reduce the cost of the eligible drug for the purpose of improving patient access to the eligible drug and helping to address affordability challenges. Recommendations may include, but shall not be limited to: (i) an alternative payment plan or methodology; (ii) a bulk purchasing program; (iii) co-payment, deductible, co-insurance or other cost-sharing restrictions; (iv) risk-based solutions, including, but not limited to high-cost drug risk pools or a reinsurance program to subsidize the cost of the eligible drug; and (v) public reporting of the drugs. The recommendations shall be publicly posted on the commission’s website and provided to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on health care financing and the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided, however, that the report shall be published on the website of the commission.
(e) If, after review of an eligible drug, the commission determines that the cost of the eligible drug, as determined by the commission, substantially exceeds the proposed value of the drug, the commission shall notify and provide the manufacturer with an opportunity provide further information related to the pricing of the eligible drug, the manufacturer’s reasons for the pricing, and any actions the manufacturer has taken or will imminently take that have a high likelihood of lowering the cost of the drug for units of the drugs that are dispensed or administered to an individual in the state in person, by mail, or by other means. For the purposes of this subsection, to “substantially exceed” shall mean to exceed by at least 15 per cent. However, the commission may determine that a drug’s cost substantially exceeds the proposed value even if the cost exceeds the value by less than 15 per cent, if the commission has good cause for making such a determination.
(f) The commission may revise the proposed value for an eligible drug based on the information provided, if any, pursuant to subsection (e). Not later than 60 days after receiving information from the manufacturer under subsection (b) or subsection (e), if any, the commission shall publicly issue a determination on whether the cost of an eligible drug, as determined by the commission, substantially exceeds the commission’s proposed value of the drug. If the commission determines that the cost of an eligible drug substantially exceeds the proposed value of the drug, the commission shall confidentially notify the manufacturer, in writing, of its determination and shall set an upper payment limit for the drug under section 25. For the purposes of this subsection, to “substantially exceed” shall mean to exceed by at least 15 per cent. However, the commission may determine that a drug’s cost substantially exceeds the proposed value even if the cost exceeds the value by less than 15 per cent, if the commission has good cause for making such a determination.
(g) Records disclosed by a manufacturer under this section, if any, shall: (i) be accompanied by an attestation that all information provided is true and correct; (ii) not be public records under clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4 or under chapter 66; and (iii) remain confidential; provided, however, that the commission may produce reports summarizing any findings; provided further, that any such report shall not be in a form that identifies specific prices charged for or rebate amounts associated with drugs by a manufacturer or in a manner that is likely to compromise the financial, competitive or proprietary nature of the information.
Any request for further information made by the commission under subsection (e) or any determination issued or written notification made by the commission under subsection (f) shall not be public records under said clause Twenty-sixth of said section 7 of said chapter 4 or under said chapter 66.
In issuing public determinations under subsection (f), the commission shall not identify specific prices charged for, or rebate amounts associated with, drugs by a manufacturer or in a manner that is likely to compromise the financial, competitive or proprietary nature of the information. Such prices or rebates shall not be public records under said clause Twenty-sixth of said section 7 of said chapter 4 or under said chapter 66.
(h) The commission’s proposed value of an eligible drug and the commission’s underlying analysis of the eligible drug is not intended to be used to determine whether any individual patient meets prior authorization or utilization management criteria for the eligible drug. The proposed value and underlying analysis shall not be the sole factor in determining whether a drug is included in a formulary or whether the drug is subject to step therapy.
(i) The commission shall be permitted to request relevant information to effectuate the purposes of this section. This information may include, but shall not be limited to, drug pricing, utilization, and other relevant information from manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, wholesalers, payers, providers, provider organizations, and third parties. To the extent practicable, in collecting said information the commission shall collaborate with the center to avoid collecting duplicative information and reduce the administrative burden on the entities providing the information.
If a manufacturer fails to timely comply with the commission’s request for records under subsection (b) or subsection (e), or otherwise knowingly obstructs the commission’s ability to issue its determination under subsection (f), including, but not limited to, by providing incomplete, false or misleading information, the commission may impose appropriate sanctions against the manufacturer, including reasonable monetary penalties not to exceed $500,000, in each instance. The commission shall seek to promote compliance with this section and shall only impose a civil penalty on the manufacturer as a last resort. Penalties collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established in section 2EEEEEE of chapter 29.
The failure of any entity to provide any requested information to the commission or the center under paragraph (3) of subsection (b), paragraph (3) of subsection (c), subsection (e), or any other provision in this section, section 23, or section 25 shall not impair the commission’s ability to determine which drugs are eligible drugs, to review eligible drugs, to determine proposed values, to set upper payment limits, or otherwise exercise the commission’s authority under this section, section 23, or section 25.
(j) The commission shall adopt any written policies, procedures or regulations that the commission determines are necessary to effectuate the purpose of this section.
Section 25. (a) Upon providing written notice provided under subsection (f) of section 24, the commission shall set an upper payment limit for an eligible drug. The upper payment limit shall be the maximum amount that may be paid or billed for a prescription drug purchased or reimbursed in any financial transaction covered in subsection (c).
(b) The upper payment limit shall be the proposed value for the eligible drug; provided, however, that if the commission revised the proposed value pursuant to subsection (f) of section 24, the upper payment limit shall be based on the drug’s revised proposed value. The commission may set an upper payment limit that is different than the proposed value for good cause, provided that the commission shall adopt regulations defining good cause prior to setting any upper payment limit. The commission may annually raise a drug’s upper payment limit to account for inflation. An upper payment limit does not include a pharmacy dispensing fee and nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prevent a retail pharmacy from receiving a payment that includes a dispensing fee above the upper payment limit.
(c)(1) The upper payment limit shall apply:
(i) when an individual purchases a prescription drug from a provider located in Massachusetts or a pharmacy licensed by the Commonwealth, and the drug is dispensed or administered to an individual in the Commonwealth in person, by mail, or by other means. If the person is insured, the amount the person pays, plus the amount the person’s carrier, the state or entity acting on behalf of the state, including but not limited to the medical assistance program established under chapter 118E, or the participating self-insured plan pays shall not exceed the upper payment limit plus applicable dispensing fees. A person shall be considered to have purchased a drug even if they are not required to pay any cost-sharing amount;
(ii) when a provider located in Massachusetts or a pharmacy licensed by the Commonwealth purchases from a wholesaler or other entity a prescription drug that is dispensed or administered to an individual in the Commonwealth in person, by mail, or by other means;
(iii) when a carrier, a pharmacy benefits manager, the state or entity acting on behalf of the state, including but not limited to the medical assistance program established under chapter 118E, or a participating self-insured plan pays or reimburses a pharmacy, provider, or other entity for a prescription drug that is dispensed or administered to an individual in the Commonwealth in person, by mail, or by other means. The amount the individual pays for the drug, plus the amount the carrier, the state or entity acting on behalf of the state, or the participating self-insured plan pays shall not exceed the upper payment limit plus applicable dispensing fees; and
(iv) to any other transaction within the Commonwealth’s jurisdiction to which the commission determines is necessary to apply the upper payment limit to effectuate the purposes of this section.
(2) For the purposes of this subsection, “carrier” shall have the same meaning as in section 1 of chapter 176O.
(d) Upper payment limits shall become effective six months after the commission has issued a public determination under subsection (f) of section 24. The establishment of an upper payment limit shall constitute final agency action.
(e) A self-insured plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 may elect to be subject to the upper payment limits.
(f) The commission may suspend an upper payment limit if the commission determines that there is a shortage of the drug in the state, unless the commission determines that the shortage was caused by a manufacturer or the manufacturer’s agent due to the commission establishing an upper payment limit for the drug.
(g) Any manufacturer or wholesaler that intends to withdraw from sale or distribution within the state a drug for which the commission has established an upper payment limit shall provide a notice of withdrawal in writing at least 6 months before the withdrawal to the commission, the commissioner of the division of insurance, the attorney general, and any entity in the state with which the manufacturer or wholesaler has a contract for the sale or distribution of the drug. The commission shall assess a penalty not to exceed one year’s worth of the manufacturer’s revenue attributable to use of the drug in the commonwealth, as determined by the commission, if the commission determines that a manufacturer or wholesaler failed to provide said notice. This subsection shall not apply in instances where the drug is being withdrawn due to a recall or revocation of the drug’s approval by the Food and Drug Administration, or similar reasons as determined by the commission.
(h) Any savings that a carrier, a participating self-insured plan, or the group insurance commission generates due to the implementation of an upper payment limit shall be used to reduce costs to consumers, prioritizing the reduction of premiums or out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. Annually, each carrier, participating self-insured plan, the group insurance commission, and the division of medical assistance shall submit to the commission a report describing the savings achieved as a result of implementing upper payment limits and how those savings were used to reduce costs to consumers.
(i) The attorney general shall be permitted to enforce this subsection.
(j) The commission shall promulgate regulations, including, but not limited to, by establishing civil penalties, necessary to implement this section.
SECTION G. Section 13 of chapter 17 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-
(f) As used in this subsection, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Public health essential drug”, a prescription drug, biologic or biosimilar approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration that: (i) appears on the Model List of Essential Medicines most recently adopted by the World Health Organization; (ii) is selected pursuant to section 17Z of chapter 32A, section 10Z of chapter 118E, section 47CCC of chapter 175, section 8DDD of chapter 176A, section 4DDD of chapter 176B and section 4VV of chapter 176G; or (iii) is deemed an essential medicine by the commission due to its efficacy in treating a life-threatening health condition or a chronic health condition that substantially impairs an individual’s ability to engage in activities of daily living or because limited access to a certain population would pose a public health challenge.
The commission shall identify and publish a list of public health essential drugs. The list shall be updated not less than annually and be made publicly available on the department’s website; provided, however, that the commission may provide an interim listing of a public health essential drug prior to an annual update. The commission shall notify and forward a copy of the list to the health policy commission established under chapter 6D.
SECTION H. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amending by inserting after section 2DDDDDD the following section:-
2EEEEEE. (a) There shall be a Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund. The secretary of health and human services shall administer the fund and shall make expenditures from the fund, without further appropriation, to provide financial assistance to residents of the commonwealth for the cost of prescription drugs through the prescription drug costs assistance program established under section 245 of chapter 111. For the purpose of this section, “prescription drug” shall include the prescription drug and any drug delivery device needed to administer the drug that is not included as part of the underlying drug prescription.
The fund shall consist of: (i) revenue from appropriations or other money authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; and (ii) funds from public or private sources, including, but not limited to, gifts, grants, donations, rebates and settlements received by the commonwealth that are specifically designated to be credited to the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the close of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in the following fiscal year.
(b) Annually, not later than March 1, the secretary shall report on the fund’s activities detailing expenditures from the previous calendar year. The report shall include: (i) the number of individuals who received financial assistance from the fund; (ii) the breakdown of fund recipients by race, gender, age range, geographic region and income level; (iii) a list of all prescription drugs that were covered by money from the fund; and (iv) the total cost savings received by all fund recipients and the cost savings broken down by race, gender, age range and income level. The report shall be submitted to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing; provided, however, that annually, not later than March 1, the report shall be published on the website of the executive office of health and human services.
(c) The secretary shall promulgate regulations or issue other guidance for the expenditure of the funds under this section.
SECTION I. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby further amended by inserting after section 244 the following section:-
Section 245. (a) The department shall establish and administer a prescription drug cost assistance program, which shall be funded by the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established in section 2EEEEEE of chapter 29. The program shall provide financial assistance for prescription drugs used to treat: (i) chronic respiratory conditions, including, but not limited to, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma; (ii) chronic heart conditions, including, but not limited to, those heart conditions that disproportionately impact a particular demographic group, including people of color; (iii) diabetes; and (iv) any other chronic condition identified by the department that disproportionately impacts a particular demographic group, including people of color; provided, however, that “prescription drug” shall include the prescription drug and any drug delivery device needed to administer the drug that is not included as part of the underlying drug prescription. Financial assistance shall cover the cost of any copayment, coinsurance and deductible for the prescription drug for an individual who is eligible for the program.
(b) An individual shall be eligible for the program if the individual: (i) is a resident of the commonwealth; (ii) has a current prescription from a health care provider for a drug that is used to treat a chronic condition listed in subsection (a); (iii) has a family income of not more than 500 per cent of the federal poverty level; and (iv) is not enrolled in MassHealth.
(c) The department shall create an application process, which shall be available electronically and in hard copy form, to determine whether an individual meets the program eligibility requirements under subsection (b). The department shall determine an applicant’s eligibility and notify the applicant of the department’s determination within 10 business days of receiving the application. If necessary for its determination, the department may request additional information from the applicant; provided, however, that the department shall notify the applicant within 5 business days of receipt of the original application as to what specific additional information is being requested. If additional information is requested, the department shall, within 3 business days of receipt of the additional information, determine the applicant’s eligibility and notify said applicant of the department’s determination.
If the department determines that an applicant is not eligible for the program, the department shall notify the applicant and shall include in said notification the specific reasons why the applicant is not eligible. The applicant may appeal this determination to the department within 30 days of receiving such notification.
If the department determines that an applicant is eligible for the program, the department shall provide the applicant with a prescription drug cost assistance program identification card, which shall indicate the applicant’s eligibility; provided, however, that the program identification card shall include, but not be limited to, the applicant’s full name and the full name of the prescription drug that the applicant is eligible to receive under the program without having to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible. An applicant’s program identification card shall be valid for 12 months and shall be renewable upon a redetermination of program eligibility.
(d) An individual with a valid program identification card may present such card at any pharmacy in the commonwealth and, upon presentation of such card, the pharmacy shall fill the individual’s prescription and provide the prescribed drug to the individual without requiring the individual to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible; provided, however, that the pharmacy shall be reimbursed by the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established in section 2EEEEEE of chapter 29 in a manner determined by the department, in an amount equal to what the pharmacy would have received had the individual been required to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible.
(e) The department, in collaboration with the division of insurance, board of registration in pharmacy and stakeholders representing consumers, pharmacists, providers, hospitals and carriers, shall develop and implement a plan to educate consumers, pharmacists, providers, hospitals and carriers regarding eligibility for and enrollment in the program under this section. The plan shall include, but not be limited to, appropriate staff training, notices provided to consumers at the pharmacy and a designated website with information for consumers, pharmacists and other health care professionals.
(f) The department shall compile a report detailing information about the program from the previous calendar year. The report shall include: (i) the number of applications received, approved, denied and appealed; (ii) the total number of applicants approved, and the number of applicants approved broken down by race, gender, age range and income level; (iii) a list of all prescription drugs that qualify for the program under subsection (b) and a list of prescription drugs for which applicants actually received financial assistance; and (iv) the total cost savings received by all approved applicants and the cost savings broken down by race, gender, age range and income level. The report shall be submitted annually, not later than March 1, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing; provided, however, that annually, not later than March 1, the report shall be published on the website of the department.
(g) The department shall promulgate regulations or issue guidance for the implementation and enforcement of this section.
SECTION J. The health policy commission shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, consumers, consumer advocacy organizations, organizations representing people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, providers, provider organizations, payers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers and health care economists and other academics, to assist in the development and periodic review of regulations to implement section 24 of chapter 6D of the General Laws, including, but not limited to: (i) establishing the criteria and processes for identifying the proposed value of an eligible drug as defined in said section 24 of said chapter 6D; and (ii) determining the appropriate price increase for a public health essential drug as described within the definition of eligible drug in said section 24 of said chapter 6D.
The commission shall hold its first public outreach not more than 45 days after the effective date of this act and shall, to the extent possible, ensure fair representation and input from a diverse array of stakeholders.
SECTION K. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 15A of chapter 6D of the General Laws, for the purposes of providing early notice under said section 15A of said chapter 6D, the health policy commission shall determine a significant price increase for a generic drug to be defined as a generic drug priced at $100 or more per wholesale acquisition cost unit that increases in cost by 100 per cent or more during any 12-month period.
SECTION L. Section K is hereby repealed.
SECTION M. Section L shall take effect on January 1, 2027."
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2520
Senate, May 20, 2025 -- Text of amendment (541) (offered by Senator Friedman) to the Ways and Means amendment (Senate, No. 3) to the House Bill making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements. |
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
_______________
by inserting after section 7 the following 6 sections:-
"SECTION 7A. Section 1 of chapter 6D of the General Laws, as most recently amended by sections 11 of chapter 342 of the acts of 2024, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Disproportionate share hospital” the following definition:-
“Early notice”, advanced notification by a pharmaceutical manufacturing company of a: (i) new drug, device or other product coming to market; or (ii) a price increase, as described in subsection (b) of section 15A.
SECTION 7B. Said section 1 of said chapter 6D, as so amended, is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Physician” the following definition:-
“Pipeline drug”, a prescription drug product containing a new molecular entity for which the sponsor has submitted a new drug application or biologics license application and received an action date from the United States Food and Drug Administration.
SECTION 7C. Said section 1 of said chapter 6D, as so amended, is hereby further amended by adding the following definition:-
“Wholesale acquisition cost”, the cost of a prescription drug as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1395w-3a(c)(6)(B).
SECTION 7D. Said chapter 6D is hereby further amended by striking out section 2A, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 2A. The commission shall keep confidential all nonpublic clinical, financial, strategic or operational documents or information provided or reported to the commission in connection with any care delivery, quality improvement process, performance improvement plan or early notice authorized under sections 7, 10, 14, 15, 15A, 24 or 25 of this chapter or under section 2GGGG of chapter 29 and shall not disclose the information or documents to any person without the consent of the entity providing or reporting the information or documents under said sections 7, 10, 14, 15, 15A, 24 or 25 of this chapter or under said section 2GGGG of said chapter 29, except in summary form in evaluative reports of such activities or when the commission believes that such disclosure should be made in the public interest after taking into account any privacy, trade secret or anticompetitive considerations. The confidential information and documents shall not be public records and shall be exempt from disclosure under clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4 or under chapter 66.
SECTION 7E. Said chapter 6D is hereby further amended by inserting after section 15 the following section:-
Section 15A. (a) A pharmaceutical manufacturing company shall provide early notice to the commission in a manner described in this section for a: (i) pipeline drug; (ii) generic drug; or (iii) biosimilar drug. The commission shall provide nonconfidential information received under this section to the office of Medicaid, the division of insurance and the group insurance commission.
Early notice under this subsection shall be submitted to the commission in writing not later than 30 days after receipt of the United States Food and Drug Administration approval date.
For each pipeline drug, early notice shall include a brief description of the: (i) primary disease, health condition or therapeutic area being studied and the indication; (ii) route of administration being studied; (iii) clinical trial comparators; (iv) estimated date of market entry; and (v) any other information the commission deems relevant. To the extent possible, information shall be collected using data fields consistent with those used by the National Institutes of Health for clinical trials.
For each pipeline drug, early notice shall include whether the drug has been designated by the United States Food and Drug Administration: (i) as an orphan drug; (ii) for fast track; (iii) as a breakthrough therapy; (iv) for accelerated approval; (v) for priority review for a new molecular entity; or (vi) for an expedited approval program not listed in this subsection; provided, however, that notwithstanding clause (v), submissions for drugs in development that are designated as new molecular entities by the United States Food and Drug Administration shall be provided as soon as practical upon receipt of the relevant designations. For each generic drug, early notice shall include a copy of the drug label approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. If said drug label has not been approved by the time early notice would otherwise be required, the label shall be provided within a reasonable time as determined by the commission.
(b) A pharmaceutical manufacturing company shall provide early notice to the commission if it plans to increase the wholesale acquisition cost of a: (i) brand-name drug by more than 15 per cent per wholesale acquisition cost unit during any 12-month period; or (ii) a brand-name drug, generic drug or biosimilar drug with a significant price increase as determined by the commission during any 12-month period; provided, however, that a significant price increase may include, but need not be limited to, a price increase below 15 per cent. The commission shall provide non-confidential information received under this section to the office of Medicaid, the division of insurance and the group insurance commission.
Early notice under this subsection shall be submitted to the commission in writing not less than 60 days before the planned effective date of the increase.
A pharmaceutical manufacturing company required to notify the commission of a price increase under this subsection shall, not less than 30 days before the planned effective date of the increase, report to the commission any information regarding the price increase that the commission deems relevant including, but not limited to: (i) drug identification information; (ii) drug sales volume information; (iii) wholesale price and related information for the drug; (iv) net price and related information for the drug; (v) drug acquisition information, if applicable; (vi) revenue from the sale of the drug; and (vii) manufacturer costs.
(c) If a pharmaceutical manufacturing company fails to timely comply with the requirements under subsection (a) or subsection (b), or otherwise knowingly obstructs the commission’s ability to receive early notice under this section, including, but not limited to, providing false or misleading information, the commission may impose sanctions against the manufacturer, including monetary penalties not more than $500,000, per violation. The commission shall seek to promote compliance with this section and shall only impose a civil penalty on the manufacturer as a last resort. Amounts collected under this section shall be deposited into the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established in section 2KKKKKK of chapter 29.
(d) The commission may promulgate regulations to implement this section.
SECTION 7F. Said chapter 6D is hereby further amended by adding the following 2 sections:-
Section 24. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Eligible drug”, (i) a brand name drug or biologic, not including a biosimilar, that has a launch wholesale acquisition cost of $25,000 or more for a 1-year supply or full course of treatment; (ii) a biosimilar drug that has a launch wholesale acquisition cost that is less than 15 per cent lower than the referenced brand biologic at the time the biosimilar is launched; (iii) a generic drug that has a wholesale acquisition cost of $100 or more for a 30-day supply or full course of treatment, for which the wholesale acquisition cost increased by 200 per cent or more during the preceding 12 months; (iv) a public health essential drug, as defined in subsection (f) of section 13 of chapter 17, with a significant price increase over a defined period of time as determined by the commission by regulation or with a wholesale acquisition cost of $10,000 or more for a 1-year supply or full course of treatment; (v) all drugs selected pursuant to section 17Z of chapter 32A, section 10Z of chapter 118E, section 47CCC of chapter 175, section 8DDD of chapter 176A, section 4DDD of chapter 176B and section 4VV of chapter 176G; (vi) a brand name, generic or biologic drug with a total aggregate annual spend by public and private payors of $25 million or more; or (vii) other prescription drug products which, due to their cost or an increase in their cost: (A) may have a significant negative impact on patient access, such as by significantly contributing to high patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, increased utilization management compared to other drugs, lack of coverage by payers or similar factors as determined by the commission; or (B) may create significant affordability challenges for the commonwealth’s health care system and patients, such as by contributing significantly to increased premiums, costs to the commonwealth or patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, by having a substantial impact on state programs involved in the provision of health care, by affecting the ability of the state and other entities that contribute to the health care cost growth benchmark to meet said benchmark or similar factors, as determined by the commission; provided, however, that the commission shall promulgate regulations to establish the type of prescription drug products classified under clause (vii) prior to classification of any such prescription drug product under said clause (vii), and the commission may adjust the dollar amounts in this definition from time to time for good cause including, but not limited to, inflation.
“Manufacturer”, a pharmaceutical manufacturer of an eligible drug.
“Public health essential drug”, shall have the same meaning as defined in subsection (f) of section 13 of chapter 17.
(b)(1) The commission shall review: (i) the negative impact of eligible drug costs on patient access, such as by significantly contributing to high patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, increased utilization management compared to other drugs, lack of coverage by payers or similar factors as determined by the commission; and (ii) the extent to which eligible drug costs have created or likely will create affordability challenges for the state’s health care system and patients, such as by contributing significantly to increased premiums, costs to the state, or patient out-of-pocket costs compared to other drugs, by having a substantial impact on state programs involved in the provision of health care, by affecting the ability of the state and other entities that contribute to the health care cost growth benchmark to meet said benchmark or similar factors, as determined by the commission; provided, however, that the commission shall review the eligible drugs that the commission determines may have the most significant impact to patients under clause (i) or may create the most significant affordability challenges under clause (ii).
(2) In conducting a review of eligible drugs, the commission shall consider:
(i) available information about the relevant factors contributing to the price paid and amount spent in the state for the drug, including the wholesale acquisition cost, change in price as compared to the launch price, annual price increases over time, discounts, rebates or other price concessions, utilization and utilization trends, aggregate annual spending in the state on the drug and the impact of the drug’s cost on the state budget;
(ii) the average patient co-pay or other cost-sharing for the drug in the commonwealth;
(iii) whether the cost of the drug contributes to inequities in health care access or outcomes;
(iv) the price and availability of therapeutic alternatives in the commonwealth;
(v) input from patients affected by the condition or disease treated by the drug and individuals with medical or scientific expertise related to the condition or disease treated by the drug;
(vi) input from other stakeholders, which may include, but shall not be limited to, patient advocacy organizations, consumer advocacy organizations, providers, provider organizations and payers; and
(vii) any other factors the commission deems relevant.
(3) In conducting a review of eligible drugs, the commission shall notify the manufacturer that the commission is reviewing the manufacturer’s drug, and shall provide the manufacturer with the opportunity to provide relevant information about the drug’s pricing. The commission may request relevant information from the manufacturer of said eligible drug and from pharmacy benefit managers, payers, wholesalers, pharmacies, clinical experts, providers and other persons or entities. The commission, to the extent feasible, shall collaborate with the center to avoid collecting duplicative information and reduce the administrative burden on all parties.
(c)(1) Using the records and information provided under subsection (b), available information from the center, from an outside third party, from another agency or department within the commonwealth or that is otherwise available to the commission or any of its subdivisions, the commission shall identify a proposed value for eligible drugs the commission has reviewed pursuant to subsection (b) and which the commission has determined have or likely will have a significant impact on patient access or which have created or likely will create significant affordability challenges for the state’s health care system or patients, as described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1) of subsection (b). In identifying proposed values for eligible drugs, the commission may prioritize drugs based on the commission’s determination of the significance of the drug cost’s negative impact on patient access or the extent to which the drug’s cost has created or likely will create affordability challenges for the state’s health care system or patients, as described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this section.
(2) The commission shall base the proposed value on:
(i) the cost of delivering and administering the drug and other administrative costs related to the production and delivery of the drug that the commission deems relevant;
(ii) the status of the drug on the drug shortage list published by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
(iii) the drug’s status as an orphan drug;
(iv) information the commission collected pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (b) that the commission deems relevant, including, but not limited to input from patients and stakeholders; and
(v) other factors the commission deems relevant in determining a drug’s value.
(3) The commission shall not base its determination on the proposed value of the eligible drug solely on the analysis or research of an outside third party and shall not employ a measure or metric that assigns a reduced value to the life extension provided by a treatment based on a pre-existing disability or chronic health condition of the individuals whom the treatment would benefit. If the commission relies upon a third party to provide cost-effectiveness analysis or research related to the proposed value of the eligible drug, such analysis or research shall also include, but not be limited to: (i) a description of the methodologies and models used in the analysis; (ii) any assumptions and potential limitations of research findings in the context of the results; and (iii) outcomes for affected subpopulations that utilize the drug, including, but not limited to, potential impacts on individuals of marginalized racial or ethnic groups and on individuals with specific disabilities or health conditions who regularly utilize the eligible drug.
(d) If, after review of an eligible drug the commission determines that the cost of the eligible drug, as determined by the commission, does not substantially exceed the proposed value of the drug, the commission shall notify the manufacturer, in writing, of its determination and shall evaluate other ways to mitigate the eligible drug’s cost in order to improve patient access to the eligible drug and help address affordability challenges. For the purposes of this subsection, to “substantially exceed” shall mean to exceed by not less than 15 per cent; provided, however, that for good cause, the commission may determine that a drug’s cost does not substantially exceed the proposed value even if the cost exceeds the value by more than 15 per cent; provided further, that the commission shall adopt regulations defining good cause prior to making such a determination. The commission may engage with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, patients, patient advocacy organizations, consumer advocacy organizations, providers, provider organizations and payers, to explore options for mitigating the cost of the eligible drug. Upon the conclusion of a stakeholder engagement process under this subsection, the commission shall issue recommendations on ways to reduce the cost of the eligible drug for the purpose of improving patient access to the eligible drug and helping to address affordability challenges. Recommendations may include but shall not be limited to: (i) an alternative payment plan or methodology; (ii) a bulk purchasing program; (iii) co-payment, deductible, co-insurance or other cost-sharing restrictions; (iv) risk-based solutions; and (v) public reporting of the drugs. The recommendations shall be publicly posted on the commission’s website and provided to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on health care financing and the house and senate committees on ways and means; provided, however, that the report shall be published on the website of the commission.
(e) If, after review of an eligible drug, the commission determines that the cost of the eligible drug, as determined by the commission, substantially exceeds the proposed value of the drug, the commission shall notify and provide the manufacturer with an opportunity provide further information related to the pricing of the eligible drug, the manufacturer’s reasons for the pricing, and any actions the manufacturer has taken or will imminently take that have a high likelihood of lowering the cost of the drug for units of the drugs that are dispensed or administered to an individual in the state in person, by mail, or by other means. For the purposes of this subsection, to “substantially exceed” shall mean to exceed by at least 15 per cent. However, the commission may determine that a drug’s cost substantially exceeds the proposed value even if the cost exceeds the value by less than 15 per cent, if the commission has good cause for making such a determination; provided however, that the commission shall adopt regulations defining good cause prior to making such a determination.
(f) The commission may revise the proposed value for an eligible drug based on the information provided, if any, pursuant to subsection (e). Not later than 60 days after receiving information from the manufacturer under subsection (b) or subsection (e), if any, the commission shall publicly issue a determination on whether the cost of an eligible drug, as determined by the commission, substantially exceeds the commission’s proposed value of the drug. If the commission determines that the cost of an eligible drug substantially exceeds the commission’s proposed value of the drug, the commission shall confidentially notify the manufacturer, in writing, of its determination and shall set an upper payment limit for the drug pursuant to section 25. For the purposes of this subsection, to “substantially exceed” shall mean to exceed by not less than 15 per cent; provided, however, that, for good cause, the commission may determine that a drug’s cost substantially exceeds the proposed value if the cost exceeds the value by less than 15 per cent; and provided further, that the commission shall adopt regulations defining good cause prior to making such a determination.
(g) Records disclosed by a manufacturer or other person or entity pursuant to this section, if any, shall: (i) be accompanied by an attestation that all information provided is true and correct; (ii) not be public records as defined under clause Twenty-sixth of section 7 of chapter 4 or chapter 66; and (iii) remain confidential; provided, however, that the commission may produce reports summarizing any findings; provided further, that any such report shall not be in a form that identifies specific prices charged for or rebate amounts associated with drugs by a manufacturer or in a manner that is likely to compromise the financial, competitive or proprietary nature of the information.
A request for further information made by the commission under subsection (e) or a determination issued or written notification made by the commission under subsection (f) shall not be public records as defined under said clause Twenty-sixth of said section 7 of said chapter 4 or said chapter 66.
In issuing public determinations under subsection (f), the commission shall not identify specific prices charged for, or rebate amounts associated with, drugs by a manufacturer or in a manner that is likely to compromise the financial, competitive or proprietary nature of the information. Such prices or rebates shall not be public records as defined under said clause Twenty-sixth of said section 7 of said chapter 4 or said chapter 66.
(h) The commission’s proposed value of an eligible drug and the commission’s underlying analysis of the eligible drug shall not be used to determine whether any individual patient meets prior authorization or utilization management criteria for the eligible drug. The proposed value and underlying analysis shall not be the sole factor in determining whether a drug is included in a formulary or whether the drug is subject to step therapy.
(i) The commission may request relevant information to implement this section from the manufacturer of eligible drug and from pharmacy benefit managers, payers, wholesalers, pharmacies, clinical experts, providers and other persons or entities; provided, however, that if a manufacturer, pharmacy benefit manager, wholesaler or payer fails to timely comply with the commission’s request for records pursuant to subsections (b) or (e), or otherwise knowingly obstructs the commission’s ability to issue its determination under subsection (f), by taking actions including, but not limited to, providing false or misleading information, the commission may impose sanctions against the entity, including monetary penalties not to exceed $500,000, per violation. The commission shall promote compliance with this section and shall only impose a civil penalty on the manufacturer as a last resort. Penalties collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established under section 2KKKKKK of chapter 29. The commission, to the extent feasible, shall collaborate with the center to avoid collecting duplicative information and reduce the administrative burden on all parties.
The failure of an entity to provide requested information to the commission or the center pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (b), paragraph (3) of subsection (c), subsection (e) or any other provision in this section or sections 23 or 25 shall not impair the commission’s ability to determine which drugs are eligible drugs, to review eligible drugs, to determine proposed values, to set upper payment limits or otherwise exercise the commission’s authority under this section or sections 23 or 25.
(j) The commission shall adopt any written policies, procedures or regulations that it determines necessary to implement this section.
Section 25. (a) Upon providing written notice provided under subsection (f) of section 24, the commission shall set an upper payment limit for an eligible drug. The upper payment limit shall be the maximum amount that may be paid or billed for a prescription drug purchased or reimbursed in any financial transaction under subsection (c).
(b) The upper payment limit shall be the proposed value for the eligible drug; provided, however, that if the commission revised the proposed value pursuant to subsection (f) of section 24, the upper payment limit shall be the drug’s revised proposed value. The commission may set an upper payment limit that is different than the proposed value for good cause; provided, however, that the commission shall adopt regulations defining good cause prior to setting any upper payment limit. The commission may annually raise a drug’s upper payment limit to account for inflation. An upper payment limit shall not include a pharmacy dispensing fee and nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prevent a retail pharmacy from receiving a payment that includes a dispensing fee above the upper payment limit.
(c)(1) The upper payment limit shall apply:
(i) when an individual purchases a prescription drug from a provider located in the commonwealth or a pharmacy licensed by the commonwealth and the drug is dispensed or administered to an individual in the commonwealth in person, by mail or by other means; provided, however, that if the person is insured, the amount the person pays, plus the amount the person’s carrier, the commonwealth or entity acting on behalf of the commonwealth, including, but not limited to the medical assistance program established under chapter 118E, or the participating self-insured plan pays, shall not exceed the upper payment limit plus applicable dispensing fees; and provided further, that a person shall be considered to have purchased a drug if they are not required to pay any cost-sharing amount;
(ii) when a provider located in the commonwealth or a pharmacy licensed by the commonwealth purchases from a wholesaler or other entity a prescription drug that is dispensed or administered to a person in the commonwealth in person, by mail or by other means;
(iii) when a carrier, a pharmacy benefits manager, the commonwealth or entity acting on behalf of the commonwealth, including, but not limited to, the medical assistance program established under chapter 118E, or a participating self-insured plan pays or reimburses a pharmacy, provider or other entity for a prescription drug that is dispensed or administered to a person in the commonwealth in person, by mail or by other means; provided, however, that the amount the person pays for the drug, plus the amount the carrier, the commonwealth or entity acting on behalf of the commonwealth, or the participating self-insured plan pays shall not exceed the upper payment limit plus applicable dispensing fees; and
(iv) to any other transaction within the commonwealth’s jurisdiction to which the commission determines is necessary to apply the upper payment limit to effectuate the purposes of this section.
(2) For the purposes of this subsection, “carrier” shall have the same meaning as in section 1 of chapter 176O.
(d) Upper payment limits shall become effective 6 months after the commission has issued a public determination pursuant to subsection (f) of section 24.
(e) A self-insured plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 may elect to be subject to the upper payment limits.
(f) The commission may suspend an upper payment limit if the commission determines that there is a shortage of the drug in the commonwealth, unless the commission determines that the shortage was caused by a manufacturer or the manufacturer’s agent due to the commission establishing an upper payment limit for the drug.
(g) Any manufacturer or wholesaler that intends to withdraw from sale or distribution within the commonwealth a drug for which the commission has established an upper payment limit shall provide a notice of withdrawal in writing not less than 6 months before the withdrawal to the commission, the commissioner of the division of insurance, the attorney general and any entity in the commonwealth with which the manufacturer or wholesaler has a contract for the sale or distribution of the drug. The commission shall assess a penalty not more than 1 year’s worth of the manufacturer’s revenue attributable to use of the drug in the commonwealth, as determined by the commission, if the commission determines that a manufacturer or wholesaler failed to provide said notice. This subsection shall not apply in instances where the drug is being withdrawn due to a recall or revocation of the drug’s approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration or similar reasons as determined by the commission.
(h) Any savings that a carrier, a participating self-insured plan or the group insurance commission generates due to the implementation of an upper payment limit shall be used to reduce costs to consumers, prioritizing the reduction of premiums or out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. Annually, each carrier, participating self-insured plan, the group insurance commission and the division of medical assistance shall submit to the commission a report describing the savings achieved as a result of implementing upper payment limits and how those savings were used to reduce costs to consumers.
(i) The attorney general may enforce this section.
(j) The commission shall promulgate regulations, including, but not limited to, civil penalties, as necessary to implement this section.”; and
By inserting after section 9 the following section:-
“SECTION 9A. Section 13 of said chapter 17 , as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-
(f) As used in this subsection, “Public health essential drug” shall mean a prescription drug, biologic or biosimilar approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration that: (i) appears on the Model List of Essential Medicines most recently adopted by the World Health Organization; (ii) is selected pursuant to section 17Z of chapter 32A, section 10Z of chapter 118E, section 47CCC of chapter 175, section 8DDD of chapter 176A, section 4DDD of chapter 176B and section 4VV of chapter 176G; or (iii) is deemed an essential medicine by the commission due to its efficacy in treating a life-threatening health condition or a chronic health condition that substantially impairs an individual’s ability to engage in activities of daily living or because limited access to a certain population would pose a public health challenge.
The commission shall identify and publish a list of public health essential drugs. The list shall be updated not less than annually and be made publicly available on the department’s website; provided, however, that the commission may provide an interim listing of a public health essential drug prior to an annual update. The commission shall notify and forward a copy of the list to the health policy commission established under chapter 6D.”; and
By inserting after section 16 the following section:-
“SECTION 16A. Said chapter 29 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2JJJJJJ the following section:-
2KKKKKK. (a) There shall be a Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund. The secretary of health and human services shall administer the fund and shall make expenditures from the fund, without further appropriation, to provide financial assistance to residents of the commonwealth for the cost of prescription drugs through the prescription drug costs assistance program established under section 249 of chapter 111. For the purposes of this section, “prescription drug” shall mean a prescription drug and any drug delivery device needed to administer the drug that is not included as part of the underlying drug prescription.
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; and (ii) funds from public or private sources, including, but not limited to, gifts, grants, donations, rebates and settlements received by the commonwealth that are specifically designated to be credited to the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the close of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for expenditure in the following fiscal year.
(b) Annually, not later than March 1, the secretary shall report on the fund’s activities detailing expenditures from the previous calendar year. The report shall include: (i) the number of individuals who received financial assistance from the fund; (ii) the breakdown of fund recipients by race, gender, age range, geographic region and income level; (iii) a list of all prescription drugs that were covered by money from the fund; and (iv) the total cost savings received by all fund recipients and the cost savings broken down by race, gender, age range and income level. The report shall be submitted to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing; provided, however, that annually, not later than March 1, the report shall be published on the website of the executive office of health and human services.
(c) The secretary shall promulgate regulations for the expenditure of the funds under this section.”; and
By inserting after section 30 the following section:-
SECTION 30A. Said chapter 111 is hereby further amended by adding the following section:-
Section 249. (a) The department shall establish and administer a prescription drug cost assistance program, which shall be funded by the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established in section 2KKKKKK of chapter 29. The program shall provide financial assistance for prescription drugs used to treat: (i) chronic respiratory conditions, including, but not limited to, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma; (ii) chronic heart conditions, including, but not limited to, those heart conditions that disproportionately impact a particular demographic group; (iii) diabetes; and (iv) any other chronic condition identified by the department that disproportionately impacts a particular demographic group; provided, however, that “prescription drug” shall include the prescription drug and any drug delivery device needed to administer the drug that is not included as part of the underlying drug prescription. Financial assistance shall cover the cost of any copayment, coinsurance and deductible for the prescription drug for an individual who is eligible for the program.
(b) An individual shall be eligible for the program if the individual: (i) is a resident of the commonwealth; (ii) has a current prescription from a health care provider for a drug that is used to treat a chronic condition listed in subsection (a); (iii) has a family income of not more than 500 per cent of the federal poverty level; and (iv) is not enrolled in MassHealth.
(c) The department shall create an application process, which shall be available electronically and in hard copy form, to determine whether an individual meets the program eligibility requirements under subsection (b). The department shall determine an applicant’s eligibility and notify the applicant of the department’s determination within 10 business days of receiving the application. If necessary for its determination, the department may request additional information from the applicant; provided, however, that the department shall notify the applicant within 5 business days of receipt of the original application as to what specific additional information is being requested. If additional information is requested, the department shall, within 3 business days of receipt of the additional information, determine the applicant’s eligibility and notify said applicant of the department’s determination.
If the department determines that an applicant is not eligible for the program, the department shall notify the applicant and shall include in said notification the specific reasons why the applicant is not eligible. The applicant may appeal this determination to the department within 30 days of receiving such notification.
If the department determines that an applicant is eligible for the program, the department shall provide the applicant with a prescription drug cost assistance program identification card, which shall indicate the applicant’s eligibility; provided, however, that the program identification card shall include, but not be limited to, the applicant’s full name and the full name of the prescription drug that the applicant is eligible to receive under the program without having to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible. An applicant’s program identification card shall be valid for 12 months and shall be renewable upon a redetermination of program eligibility.
(d) An individual with a valid program identification card may present such card at any pharmacy in the commonwealth and, upon presentation of such card, the pharmacy shall fill the individual’s prescription and provide the prescribed drug to the individual without requiring the individual to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible; provided, however, that the pharmacy shall be reimbursed by the Prescription Drug Cost Assistance Trust Fund established in section 2KKKKKK of chapter 29 in a manner determined by the department, in an amount equal to what the pharmacy would have received had the individual been required to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible.
(e) The department, in collaboration with the division of insurance, board of registration in pharmacy and stakeholders representing consumers, pharmacists, providers, hospitals and carriers, shall develop and implement a plan to educate consumers, pharmacists, providers, hospitals and carriers regarding eligibility for and enrollment in the program under this section. The plan shall include, but not be limited to, appropriate staff training, notices provided to consumers at pharmacies and a designated website with information for consumers, pharmacists and other health care professionals.
(f) The department shall compile a report detailing information about the program from the previous calendar year. The report shall include: (i) the number of applications received, approved, denied and appealed; (ii) the total number of applicants approved and the number of applicants approved delineated by race, gender, age range and income level; (iii) a list of all prescription drugs that qualify for the program under subsection (b) and a list of prescription drugs for which applicants actually received financial assistance; and (iv) the total cost savings received by all approved applicants and the cost savings delineated by race, gender, age range and income level. The report shall be submitted annually, not later than March 1, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on health care financing; provided, however, that annually, not later than March 1, the report shall be published on the website of the department.
(g) The department shall promulgate regulations for the implementation and enforcement of this section.”; and
By inserting after section 85 the following 3 sections:-
“SECTION 85A. The health policy commission shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, consumers, consumer advocacy organizations, organizations representing people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, providers, provider organizations, payers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers and health care economists and other academics, to assist in the development and periodic review of regulations to implement section 24 of chapter 6D of the General Laws, including, but not limited to: (i) establishing the criteria and processes for identifying the proposed value of an eligible drug as defined in said section 24 of said chapter 6D; and (ii) determining the appropriate price increase for a public health essential drug as described within the definition of eligible drug in said section 24 of said chapter 6D.
The commission shall hold its first public outreach pursuant to this section not more than 45 days after the effective date of this act and shall, to the extent possible, ensure fair representation and input from a diverse array of stakeholders.
SECTION 85B. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 15A of chapter 6D of the General Laws, for the purposes of providing an initial early notice under said section 15A of said chapter 6D, the health policy commission shall determine a significant price increase for a generic drug to be defined as a generic drug priced at $100 or more per wholesale acquisition cost unit that increases in cost by 100 per cent or more during any 12-month period.
SECTION 85C. Section 85B is hereby repealed.”; and
By inserting after section 89 the following section:-
“SECTION 89A. Section 85C shall take effect on January 1, 2027.".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-542
EHS 542
West County Senior Services District
Mr. Mark 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 $100,000 shall be expended for the West County Senior Services District of the towns of Ashfield, Buckland, and Shelburne and the western Franklin County region for increased costs relative to the transition from the "Consortium" to the "District” pursuant to chapter 402 of the Acts of 2022;"; and by striking out the figure “$29,522,592 ” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$29,622,592”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-543-R1
Redraft EHS 543
Cape and Islands Mental Health Center and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children
Messrs. Fernandes, Payano, Collins, Mark, Rush, Driscoll and Moore, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Keenan, O'Connor and Cyr and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5095-0015, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $4,800,000 shall be expended to Cape Cod and Islands Mental Health Center, also known as Pocasset Mental Health Center, for mental health services and operations”; and
in said section 2, in item 4590-0915, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $31,000,000 shall be expended for the continued operation of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-543
EHS 543
Cape and Islands Mental Health Center and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children
Messrs. Fernandes, Payano, Collins, Mark, Rush, Driscoll and Moore, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Keenan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5095-0015, by inserting after “fiscal year 2026;" the following: “provided further, that not less than $4,800,000 shall be expended to Cape and Islands Mental Health Center, also known as Pocasset Mental Health Center, for mental health services and operations; and provided further, that not less than $31,000,000 shall be expended for the continued operation of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children;”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-545
EHS 545
Advancing Health Equity
Mr. O'Connor 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 $1,000,000 shall be expended to South Shore Health to support its efforts to advance health equity and improve access for underserved communities”; and by striking out the figure “$17,000,545" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$18,000,545”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-546
EHS 546
Supporting Inclusive Programming for Individuals with Disabilities
Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5911-1003, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to Raising Harts, Inc. in the town of Cohasset; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to SAIL Home, Inc. in the city known as the Town of Weymouth"; and by striking out the figure “$105,945,417" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$107,075,417”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-546-R1
Redraft EHS 546
Supporting Inclusive Programming for Individuals with Disabilities
Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5911-1003, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to Raising Harts, Inc. in the town of Cohasset to support children with autism and families through inclusive programs and mentorship; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to S.A.I.L. Home, Inc. in the city known as the Town of Weymouth to support inclusive programming for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities"; and by striking out the figure “$105,945,417" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$106,075,417”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-547
EHS 547
Office for Refugees and Immigrants Administration and Operations
Messrs. DiDomenico and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4003-0111, by striking out item 4003-0111, and inserting in place thereof the following item:-
"4003-0111 For the operation of the office for refugees and immigrants..............................$1,514,573".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-548
EHS 548
CASA Winthrop
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0205, by adding the following words: - “; provided further, that no less than $30,000 shall be expended to for Community Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CASA) in the town of Winthrop to support substance abuse programs.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-548-R1
Redraft EHS 548
CASA Winthrop
Ms. Edwards 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 $30,000 shall be expended to Community Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CASA) in the city known as the town of Winthrop to support substance abuse programs”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-549
EHS 549
Expanding Emergency Department Capacity
Mr. 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 $2,000,000 shall be expended to South Shore Health to support its efforts to expand capacity for emergency department services”; and by striking out the figure “$158,090,882" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$160,090,882”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-557
EHS 557
RAFT Homelessness Prevention Program
Messrs. Gómez, Cyr, Collins and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan and Lewis, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Mark and Payano, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen and Ms. Miranda moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by striking out the figure: "$7,000” and inserting in place thereof the figure "$10,000”; and in said item by inserting at the end the following: “provided further, that for the purposes of this program, to receive cash benefits or other services, it is not necessary for a household to have received a shut-off notice from a utility company, notice to quit or summary process summons and complaint, or otherwise be subject to the summary process pursuant to chapter 239; provided further, that the executive office and administering agencies shall make direct payments available to tenants or subtenants whose landlords are unresponsive or refuse payments; provided further, that the executive office and administering agencies shall approve requests for forward rent payments and stipends from otherwise eligible applicants if such payments would not exceed the rolling 12-month benefit award limit; provided further, that the executive office shall not impose any additional access or benefits restrictions on households residing in public or subsidized housing”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-557-R2
2nd Redraft EHS 557
RAFT Homelessness Prevention Program
Messrs. Gómez, Cyr, Collins and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan and Lewis, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Mark and Payano, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not later than 90 days following the effective date of this act, the executive office of housing and livable communities, in consultation with family homelessness service providers, advocates, the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities and the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on housing, shall create a plan to divert families from emergency assistance shelter including, but not limited to, reducing barriers to the residential assistance for families in transition program, the HomeBASE household assistance and other shelter diversion programs; provided further, that the plan shall include, but not be limited to: (i) programmatic and fiscal information on the most effective and cost-effective state programs and investments for the prevention of family homelessness; (ii) various benefit levels and eligibility criteria for the commonwealth’s shelter diversion and prevention programs and how said criteria impact housing stability; (iii) an evaluation of changes to the benefit levels and eligibility criteria for the commonwealth’s shelter diversion and prevention programs including, but not limited to: (a) establishing alternative criteria for the residential assistance for families in transition program that shall be in lieu of requiring the notice to quit or summary process summons and complaint; and (b) removing the requirement of emergency assistance eligibility established in section 30 of chapter 23B of the General Laws for the HomeBASE household assistance program; (iv) a detailed cost analysis of the changes evaluated in clause (iii), including the projected savings to the emergency assistance shelter program from providing increased access to homelessness prevention and diversion programs, which shall include data on the rate at which families are denied residential assistance for families in transition and within 6 months enter the emergency shelter system and shall consider regional differences in the costs of housing; and (v) proposed legislative or regulatory recommendations on new or existing programs to prevent or divert homelessness and the projected cost or savings of such recommendations; provided further, that the plan shall be submitted to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on housing and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-557-R1
Redraft EHS 557
RAFT Homelessness Prevention Program
Messrs. Gómez, Cyr, Collins and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan and Lewis, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Mark and Payano, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Miranda and Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0100, by inserting at the end the following:- “provided further, that for the purposes of this program, to receive cash benefits or other services, it is not necessary for a household to have received a shut-off notice from a utility company, notice to quit or summary process summons and complaint, provided, however, that the household otherwise satisfies at least one of housing crisis criteria under the FY25 RAFT administrative plan and scope of services".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-558-R1
Redraft EHS 558
A Healthy Lynnfield
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 to A Healthy Lynnfield for substance use programming including, but not limited to, prevention education”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-558
EHS 558
A Healthy Lynnfield
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 to A Healthy Lynnfield”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-559
EHS 559
Young Mothers Experiencing Acute Trauma Pilot Program
Messrs. Crighton, DiDomenico and Gómez, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. O'Connor and Eldridge, Ms. Creem and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 0930-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $1,250,000 shall be expended for Roca. Inc.'s young mothers experiencing acute trauma pilot program”; and by striking out the figure "$3,941,014" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$5,191,014".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-561
EHS 561
Substance Use Treatment Program
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 $25,000 shall be expended for Baystate Noble Hospital Corporation in the city of Westfield for an opioid grant program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-561-R1
Redraft EHS 561
Substance Use Treatment Program
Mr. Velis and Ms. Lovely 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 $25,000 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:- “$125,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-562
EHS 562
North Suffolk Community Services
Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 8000-0313, by adding the following words: - “; provided not less than $25,000 be expended to North Suffolk Community Services for the purposes of coordinating and implementing eviction sealing outreach and coordination in East Boston".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-562-R1
Redraft EHS 562
North Suffolk Community Services
Ms. Edwards 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 $25,000 shall be expended to North Suffolk Community Services, Inc. to coordinate and implement eviction sealing outreach and coordination"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-563
EHS 563
Transportation Programs for Individuals Accessing Substance Use Treatment Services
Messrs. Fernandes, Collins and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $750,000 shall be expended to increase and expand transportation programs for individuals accessing substance use treatment services”; and in said item by striking out the figures "$179,642,798" and inserting in place thereof the figures:- "$180,392,798".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-563-R1
Redraft EHS 563
Transportation Programs for Individuals Accessing Substance Use Treatment Services
Messrs. Fernandes and Collins and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0200, by striking out the words “funds shall be expended to expand transportation programs for individuals accessing substance use treatment services, prior appropriation continued” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “; not less than $300,000 shall be expended to increase and expand transportation programs for individuals accessing substance use treatment services, prior appropriation continued”; and by striking out the figure "$179,642,798" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$179,942,798".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-564
EHS 564
MCPAP for Schools
Messrs. Velis and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by striking out the figure “$3,875,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,625,000”; and by inserting after the words “existing capacity” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $750,000 of that amount shall be expended for MCPAP for Schools”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-564-R1
Redraft EHS 564
MCPAP for Schools
Messrs. Velis, Lewis and Eldridge, Ms. Lovely and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 5042-5000, by striking out the figure “$3,875,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,375,000”; and by inserting after the word “capacity” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 of that amount shall be expended for MCPAP for Schools”; and by striking out the figure “$131,563,724” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$132,063,724”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-565
EHS 565
Narcan Distribution
Messrs. Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-0204, by striking out the figure “$1,298,718” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,298,718”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-567
EHS 567
Whitman Council on Aging
Mr. Brady 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 $30,000 shall be expended for improvements for the Council on Aging in the town of Whitman”; and by striking out the figure ''$29,522,592'' and inserting in place thereof the following figure;- "$29,552,592".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-568
EHS 568
REquipment Durable Medical Equipment/Assistive Technology Reuse program
Mr. Brady, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark, Tarr, Oliveira, Eldridge, Payano, Fernandes, O'Connor and Velis 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 “$14,327,398” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,827,398”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-568-R1
Redraft EHS 568
REquipment Durable Medical Equipment/Assistive Technology Reuse program
Mr. Brady, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Mark, Tarr, Oliveira, Eldridge, Payano, Fernandes, O'Connor and Velis 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 to REquipment Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Assistive Technology (AT) Reuse Program, Inc. to improve the independence of individuals with disabilities through the refurbishment and repair of home medical equipment and assistive technology”; and by striking
out the figure “$14,327,398” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,827,398”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-569
EHS 569
Charity Guild Food Pantry
Mr. Brady 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 for the Charity Guild Food Pantry to continue to supply the food pantry at Brockton High School and serve the senior citizens and homebound through home delivery in 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: FY2026-S3-572
EHS 572
Suicide Prevention
Messrs. Velis and O'Connor and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1026, by striking out the figure “$14,304,687” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,549,687”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-573-R1
Redraft EHS 573
Substance Use Resources
Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Lovely 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 Power Forward, Inc. in the town of Marshfield for substance use recovery services"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-573
EHS 573
Substance Use Resources
Mr. O'Connor 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 Power Forward, Inc. in the town of Marshfield" and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-574-R1
Redraft EHS 574
STOP Stroke
Mr. Montigny, Ms. Rausch and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1121, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department shall submit a report by March 2, 2026 to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the senate committee on post audit and oversight detailing expenditures from this item, including but not limited to the measurable number of persons reached by said campaign, the methods and strategies implemented to reach said persons, and activities carried out by the department pursuant to this item; provided further, that the department shall promulgate regulations creating the statewide standard pre-hospital care protocol and statewide criteria for designating hospitals in a tiered system pursuant to section 90 of chapter 28 of the acts of 2023 by October 1, 2025; and provided further, that funds appropriated for this item in fiscal year 2025 shall not revert and shall be made available for fiscal year 2026".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-574
EHS 574
STOP Stroke
Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1121, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that the department shall submit a report by March 2, 2026 to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the senate committee on post audit and oversight detailing expenditures from this item, including but not limited to the measurable number of persons reached by said campaign, the methods and strategies implemented to reach said persons, and activities carried out by the department pursuant to this item; and provided further, that the department shall promulgate regulations creating the statewide standard pre-hospital care protocol and statewide criteria for designating hospitals in a tiered system pursuant to section 90 of chapter 28 of the acts of 2023 by October 1, 2025"; and by striking out the figure "$500,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$750,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-574-R2
2nd Redraft EHS 574
STOP Stroke
Mr. Montigny, Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1121, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not later than March 2, 2026, the department shall submit a report to the senate committee on post audit and oversight and the senate and house committees on ways and means detailing: (i) expenditures from this item; (ii) the number of persons reached by the campaign under this item; (iii) the methods and strategies implemented to reach said persons; and (iv) activities carried out by the department pursuant to this item; provided further, that not later than September 1, 2025, the department shall update the Statewide Stroke Point-of-Entry Plan pursuant to section 90 of chapter 28 of the acts of 2023; provided further, that not later than October 1, 2025, the department shall implement regulations under 105 CMR 130 as promulgated on February 28, 2025, prior appropriation continued".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-575
EHS 575
School Health Services
Messrs. Velis and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4590-0250, by striking out the figure “$22,623,088” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$26,116,196”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-576
EHS 576
Mental Health Support for Victims of Hate and Bias
Mr. Velis, Ms. Rausch and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-2020, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended for a competitive grant program for the development of specialized trauma trainings, each tailored to a specific form of hate or bias, to be provided to mental health clinicians and counselors and others to treat victims of hate and bias”; and by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-576-R1
Redraft EHS 576
Mental Health Support for Victims of Hate and Bias
Mr. Velis, Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor, Ms. Lovely and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4512-2020, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for a competitive grant program for the development of specialized trauma trainings, each tailored to a specific form of hate or bias, to be provided to mental health clinicians and counselors and others to treat victims of hate and bias”; and by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,250,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-577
EHS 577
Older Adult Transportation
Mr. Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-0100, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended to Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation, Inc. for costs associated with transportation for older adults on Martha’s Vineyard”; and by striking out the figure “$5,971,575” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,991,575”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-578
EHS 578
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, to include treatment of patients with co-occurring mental health disorders by a nurse practitioner”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-578-R1
Redraft EHS 578
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 $150,000 shall be expended for Office-Based Addiction/Opioid Treatment, a program of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, to include treatment of patients with co-occurring mental health disorders by a nurse practitioner”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-579
EHS 579
Our Neighbors Table PAC
Messrs. Tarr and Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following new section:-
"SECTION_. Item 2511-0107 in section 2 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after the words, "Wenham and" the following: -"for staffing and logistics expenses related to opening and operating the Seacoast Regional Food Hub, located in Salisbury, serving the Lower Merrimack Valley Food Coalition"
And moves to further amend by inserting the following new section:-
"SECTION_.Item 2511-0107 in section 2 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after the words, "northeastern Essex county the following: -"and such funds shall be made available until June 30, 2026."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-581
EHS 581
Food Protection Retained Revenue Language Update
Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0020, by striking out, in line 1, the words “may expend” and inserting in place thereof the following words:-“shall expend”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-582
EHS 582
Radioactive Material Inspection Retained Revenue
Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by striking out the line item 4510-0615 in its entirety.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-583
EHS 583
Suicide Prevention Program Funding
Mrs. Dooner and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1026, by striking out the figure “$14,304,687” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,504,687”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-584
EHS 584
Payment flexibility for MassHealth Ground Ambulance
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking SECTION 70
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-585
EHS 585
Suicide Prevention Programs
Messrs. Driscoll and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4513-1026, by striking out the figure “$14,304,687” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$14,549,687”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-586
EHS 586
Administration of MassHealth Pharmacy Benefits
Messrs. Driscoll and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 90 the following section:-
“SECTION XX. The Executive of Health and Human Services shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility and potential benefit to the commonwealth of transferring the administration of pharmacy benefits from MassHealth managed care providers to the MassHealth fee-for-service pharmacy program or through the selection of a single claims processor for the pharmacy benefits provided by managed care providers. The analysis shall determine the amount of savings that would be realized by the Commonwealth due to the use of the Medicaid drug price reimbursement formula, an increase in the receipt of prescription drug rebates and other program efficiencies that could result from the single administration of the pharmacy benefit for MassHealth recipients. The report shall analyze the savings from those states that have moved the administration of the pharmacy benefits from the Medicaid managed care organizations back into their Medicaid fee-for-service pharmacy program or have selected a single claims process administrator and shall also consider the total savings from converting to NADAC price for the cost of drugs and MassHealth’s professional dispensing fee. The Secretary shall transmit the report to the chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means and the chairs of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing not later than October 1, 2025."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-587
EHS 587
Manet Community Health Center
Messrs. Driscoll and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4510-0110, by inserting after “manners” the following, “; and provided further that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Manet Community Health Center for Behavioral Health treatment support”; and by striking out the figure “$5,335,599” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-”$5,375,599”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-588
EHS 588
Provider Choice
Mr. Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 90 the following section:-
SECTION XX. Section 24N of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out paragraph (c) in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
(c) There shall be a vaccine program advisory council consisting of the commissioner of public health or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the medical director of the universal immunization program of the department of public health established under section 24I; the executive director for the center for health information and analysis or a designee; the executive director of the commonwealth health insurance connector authority or a designee; 1 person to be appointed by the director of Medicaid, who shall be a representative of managed care organizations contracting with MassHealth; 3 persons to be appointed by the commissioner of insurance, each of whom shall be a representative of 1 of the 3 health insurance companies having the most insured lives in the commonwealth; and 7 persons to be appointed by the commissioner of public health, 1 of whom shall be a representative of an employer that self-insures for health coverage who shall be appointed from lists of nominees submitted by statewide associations of employers, 1 of whom shall be a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, 1 of whom shall be a member of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 of whom shall be a member of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians, and 3 of whom shall be physicians licensed to practice in the commonwealth and who shall have expertise in the area of childhood vaccines. The council shall recommend the amount of funding needed each fiscal year by calculating the total non-federal program cost.
SECTION XX. Section 24N of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out paragraph (d) in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
(d) Under regulations adopted by the commissioner of public health, each surcharge payor in the commonwealth shall pay to the commissioner of public health, for deposit in the Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund, a routine childhood immunizations surcharge assessed by the commissioner. By January 1 of each year, the commissioner of public health shall determine the total amount of the surcharge for the current fiscal year by determining the final amount required to be included in the Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund for the current fiscal year to cover the estimated costs to purchase, store and distribute immunizations for routine childhood immunizations and to administer the fund and the immunization registry, established pursuant to section 24M. The amount shall take into consideration the limitations on expenditures described in subsection (b) any anticipated surplus or deficit in the trust fund, and shall exclude any costs anticipated to be covered by federal contribution. Any increase in the surcharge amount for the prior fiscal year shall not be more than the percentage set as the health care cost growth benchmark, established under section 9 of chapter 6D, unless the commissioner of public health submits a detailed report to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate who shall forward the report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public health and the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on health care financing explaining the need for the increase.
SECTION XX. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 244 the following section:-
Section 245. (1) The department shall implement a provider immunization brand choice requirement as part of the Commonwealth’s universal immunization program pursuant to sections 24I and 24N of chapter 111; the vaccines for children program operated by the department under the authority of 42 U.S.C. §1396s; and in any other existing or future immunization program for children or adults administered through the state using local, state or federal funds.
(2) Pursuant to the provider immunization brand choice requirement, for all categories of immunizations included in the programs described in paragraph (1) of this section, all healthcare providers participating in these programs must be able to select any brand or type of any immunization (including any combination immunization and dosage form), as long as the immunization is licensed or authorized for emergency use by the federal Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The department may not limit the ability of such healthcare providers to provide an immunization by limiting the supply of immunizations purchased by the department This section shall not apply in the event of a shortage or delay in vaccine availability, disaster or public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency.
Use of Vaccine Lists. The department shall use, for the purpose of the purchase, delivery and administration of vaccines, the CDC vaccine list established (and periodically reviewed and, as appropriate, revised) by the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices, an advisory committee established by the US Secretary of Health and Human services acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(3) The department shall implement all or part of the provider immunization brand choice requirement as soon as it is determined to be feasible, provided, however, that the department shall complete full implementation of the system not later than July 1, 2025.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-590
EHS 590
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Messrs. Driscoll and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after item 4800-1100 the following new item: “xxxx-xxxx For the Make-A-Wish Foundation Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc.……… $250,000 "
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-591-R1
Redraft EHS 591
Laboure College Advanced Vocational Nursing ESOL Program
Mr. Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0020, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Labouré College of Healthcare in the town of Milton for an advanced Vocational Nursing English for Speakers of Other Languages program to increase the nursing workforce recruitment pipeline in the commonwealth through increased access to nursing careers”; and by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,75,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-591
EHS 591
Laboure College Advanced Vocational Nursing ESOL Program
Mr. Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0020, by inserting after “services” the following: “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to Labouré College of Healthcare in Milton for an advanced Vocational Nursing English for Speakers of Other Languages program to increase access to nursing careers”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-593
EHS 593
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities
Mr. Oliveira moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 9110-1660, by inserting at the end the following:- "; provided, that not less than $1,762,000 shall be expended for providers of naturally occurring retirement communities with whom the executive office of aging and independence entered into service agreements in fiscal year 2025 and shall maintain at proportions of total available funding equal to those provided in fiscal year 2025"; and by striking the figures, “$2,464,695 ” and inserting in place thereof the figures, “$4,226,695.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-594
EHS 594
Safe and Successful Youth Initiative
Messrs. Payano, Lewis, Montigny, Gómez, Brady, Collins and Moore, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Miranda and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 4000-0005, by striking out the figure “$12,600,000 ” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$15,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-595
EHS 595
Improving Newborn Screening Tests
Messrs. Fattman and Tarr, Mrs. Dooner and Mr. 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 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, in line 3, after the word “cretinism” the following:- ", krabbe, fabry, gaucher, pompe, MPS I, niemann pick A/B [disease]"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-596-R1
Redraft EHS 596
Southcoast New Beginnings
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 $150,000 shall be expended as a grant to the Southcoast Health New Beginnings Moms Do Care Program in the city of New Bedford to support mothers and infants impacted by perinatal substance exposure"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-596
EHS 596
Southcoast New Beginnings
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 as a grant to the Southcoast Health New Beginnings Moms Do Care Program in the city of New Bedford to support mothers and infants impacted by perinatal substance exposure"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-597
EHS 597
Temporary Respite Centers
Messrs. Driscoll and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-0101, by adding at the end thereof the following language:-"; provided, further, that the provisions governing access to temporary respite centers, included in section 2A of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2025, shall remain in effect through June 30, 2026.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-598
EHS 598
Expanding Options for EMT Paramedics
Messrs. Fattman and Tarr and Mrs. Dooner 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 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 develop regulations and guidelines within 180 days of the passage of this act."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-599
EHS 599
Universal Adult Vaccine Program
Messrs. Driscoll and Cyr and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended moves to amend the bill by inserting after section 90 the following section:-
"SECTION XX. Subsection (c) of section 24N of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as amended by section 111 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024, is hereby amended by striking out the figure "7" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 9.
Said subsection (c) of said section 24N of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as so amended, is hereby amended by inserting after the word, "Physicians", the first time it appears, the following words:- 2 of whom shall both be physicians licensed to practice in the commonwealth and have expertise in the area of adult vaccines.
Said section 24N of said chapter 111 of the General Laws, as so amended, is hereby further amended by striking out after the words "vaccines. The council", and inserting in place thereof the following words:- vaccines. The commissioner.
Said subsection (c) of said section 24N of said chapter 111 of the General Laws, as so amended, is hereby further amended by striking out the word "childhood", the second and third time it appears.
Said subsection (c) of said section 24N of said chapter 111 of the General Laws, as so amended, is hereby further amended by inserting after the word, "account," the following words:- immunizations routinely recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,.
Said chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 24N the following section:-
Section 24N 1/2. (a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
"Adult", individuals who are at least 19 years of age and younger than 65 years of age.
"Estimated vaccine cost", the estimated cost over the course of a fiscal year for the purchase, storage and distribution of vaccines for all adults in the commonwealth.
"MassHealth", the medical assistance and benefit programs administered by the MassHealth agency pursuant to Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396a et seq.), Title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1397aa et seq.), M.G.L. c. 118E, and other applicable laws and waivers to provide and pay for medical services to eligible members.
"Routine adult immunizations", immunizations for adults as defined in this section which shall include but need not be limited to immunizations that protect against respiratory diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in addition to other immunizations recommended by the vaccine program advisory council and approved by the commissioner.
"Total non-federal program cost", the estimated annual cost of vaccines needed for routine adult immunizations for adults in the commonwealth less the amount of federal revenue available to the commonwealth for purchase, storage, distribution and administration of the vaccines.
(b) There shall be established in the commonwealth a separate, non-budgeted special revenue fund known as the Adult Vaccine Purchase Fund, which shall be administered by the commissioner of public health or a designee. Amounts credited to the fund shall be expended, without further appropriation, to support a vaccine purchase system for routine adult immunizations as defined in this section.
The fund shall be credited with: (i) all appropriations directed to the fund; (ii) all monies transferred from the executive office of health and human services pursuant to section 66 of chapter 118E; (iii) any voluntary contributions to the fund including, but not limited to, contributions from MassHealth, third-party payers or third-party administrators, as defined in section 1 of chapter 12C; and (iv) any interest earnings on such monies. Amounts credited to the fund shall be expended, without further appropriation, to cover the costs to purchase, store and distribute vaccines for routine adult immunizations and to support a vaccine clinic management platform.
Funds shall be expended solely to cover total non-federal program costs; provided, however, that the amount to be expended for storing and distributing vaccines for routine adult immunizations, if such costs are not covered by federal contributions, and for the costs of supporting a vaccine clinic management platform and programs to promote equitable access to vaccine, shall not exceed 10 per cent of the total amount of the fund expended for the purchase of vaccines needed for routine adult immunizations.
The department may incur expenses, and the comptroller may certify for payment, amounts in anticipation of the most recent estimate of expected receipts, as certified by the secretary of administration and finance; provided, however, that no expenditure shall be made from the fund which shall cause the fund to be in deficit at the close of a fiscal year. Any balance in the fund at the close of a fiscal year shall be available for expenditure in subsequent fiscal years and shall not be transferred to any other fund or revert to the General Fund.
The commissioner of public health or a designee shall annually report the amount of funds collected and any expenditures made from the fund to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate and to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public health and the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on health care financing.
(c) The vaccine program advisory council established in section 24N shall recommend the vaccines to be included in the program and the commissioner shall calculate the amount needed in the fund each fiscal year for routine adult immunizations by calculating the total non-federal program cost. The council shall make recommendations to the commissioner on whether the commissioner may authorize provider choice of more than 1 comparable brand or type for a routine adult immunization vaccine. In its recommendations, the council shall examine the feasibility, costs and benefits of authorizing provider choice, provide a schedule of the cost of each comparable brand or type of a vaccine recommended for provider choice and demonstrate that the estimated vaccine cost of authorizing provider choice would not be substantially greater than the estimated vaccine cost of purchasing a single brand or type of a vaccine. The commissioner of public health shall determine the final vaccines to be purchased.
(d) To the extent health care providers as defined by section 1 who are otherwise legally authorized to administer vaccines and pharmacies licensed in accordance with section 39 of chapter 112 are otherwise administering vaccines, said health care providers and licensed pharmacies shall accept and shall administer vaccines funded by the Adult Vaccine Purchase Fund. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the department from allowing other providers legally authorized to administer vaccines from requesting to obtain and use vaccines funded by said trust.
(e) The department may adopt rules and regulations as necessary to implement the universal purchase and distribution system under this section and other applicable state and federal laws.
Subsection (a) of section 24N 1/2 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as inserted by section 62, is hereby amended by striking out the words "individuals who are at least 19 years of age and younger than 65 years of age" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- individuals who are 19 years of age and older.
Section 64 of chapter 118E, as most recently amended by section 122 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024, is hereby amended by striking out the definition "Immunization revenue amount" and inserting in place thereof the following definition:-
"Immunization revenue amount", the estimated costs (i) to purchase, store and distribute vaccines for routine childhood immunizations and administer the Vaccine Purchase Fund, established in section 24N of chapter 111, (ii) to purchase, store and distribute vaccines for routine adult vaccinations and administer the Adult Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund established in section 24N 1/2 of chapter 111, (iii) to administer the computerized immunization registry, established in section 24M of chapter 111 and (iv) that take into consideration the limitations on expenditures described in subsection (b) of section 24N and subsection (b) of section 24N 1/2 of chapter 111, as well as any anticipated surplus or deficit in said Vaccine Purchase Fund and said Adult Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund, but excluding any costs anticipated to be covered by federal contribution."
Section 66 of said chapter 118E, as most recently amended by section 126 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting after the words "chapter 111" the following words:- "and the Adult Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund established in section 24N 1/2 of chapter 111, as applicable, as determined by the executive office of health and human services in consultation with the department of public health each year".
Said section 66 of said chapter 118E, as most recently amended by section 127 of chapter 140 of the acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting after the words "chapter 111" the following words:- "and the Adult Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund established in section 24N 1/2 of chapter 111, as applicable, as determined by the executive office of health and human services in consultation with the department of public health each year".
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the secretary of health and human services shall seek all required federal approvals that the secretary deems necessary to implement sections 57 to 63, inclusive, 75 to 77, inclusive, including any required waivers under 42 CFR § 433.68 necessary to implement changes to the managed care organization services assessment described in section 68 of chapter 118E of the General Laws. Sections 57 to 62, inclusive, 75 and 76 shall not become effective until the later of the effective date of this act or the first full calendar month following the calendar month in which the secretary determines that all such federal approvals have been received. Section 77 shall not become effective until the later of the October 1, 2027, or the first full calendar month following the calendar month in which the secretary determines that all such federal approvals have been received.
Section 63 shall take effect the first full calendar month following the calendar month in which the secretary determines both that voluntary federal contributions covering adults age 65 and over are available to state adult vaccine funds such as the Adult Vaccine Purchase Fund and that all federal approvals necessary under section 121 have been received".