Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-500

EHS 500

Commission to Protect Immigrant Health Coverage

Mr. Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-

"SECTION __. (a) There is hereby established a special commission to study, report on and make recommendations regarding health care coverage for individuals who are lawfully present immigrants no longer eligible for Federal Financial Participation under Medicaid and for Advanced Premium Tax Credits as a result of Public Law. 119-21 as well as individuals no longer eligible for Medicaid based on implementation of community engagement requirements and more frequent redeterminations pursuant to Sections 71119 and 71107 of said Public Law. The commission shall evaluate and recommend health coverage options that the state could implement to provide financially sustainable access to affordable coverage and care for some or all of said individuals.

(b) The commission shall consist of the following 15 members: the secretary of health and human services or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the undersecretary for MassHealth or a designee; the executive director of the Massachusetts health connector or designee; executive director of the health policy commission or designee; the chairs of the joint committee on health care financing; and the following members appointed by the secretary of health and human services: 1 member who is a representative of a consumer advocacy organization; 1 member who is a representative of a legal advocacy organization; 1 member who is a representative of an immigrant advocacy organization; 1 member who is a representative of community health centers statewide; 1 member who is a representative of a health center-led, primary care-based MassHealth Accountable Care Organization; 1 member who is a representative of a hospital serving the relevant populations impacted by federal changes; 1 member who is a representative of a cross-sector coalition of leaders of color focused on health equity; 1 member who is a representative of an insurance carrier serving the relevant populations impacted by federal changes; and 1 member who is a health care clinician predominantly serving the relevant population impacted by federal changes.

(c) The commission shall analyze and make recommendations regarding: (i) the number of such individuals expected to be denied or terminated from  Medicaid or Advanced Premium Tax Credits under said provisions of Public Law 119-21, and how many subsequently obtained other coverage or became uninsured; (ii)  alternative coverage options for uninsured populations no longer eligible under said provisions, including, but not limited to options that use MassHealth and Health Connector systems ; (iii) examine the impact of various coverage options, including subsidy levels and benefit designs, on coverage rates, consumer affordability, and access to care; (iv) the fiscal and financial impacts of coverage options on state finances, providers, payers, and affected l consumers;  (v) the administrative complexity and burden of coverage options.

(d) The commission shall issue a report with the findings under subsection (c) and recommendations regarding the most beneficial and feasible options to maintain access to coverage and care for the affected populations described in this section.

(e) Not later than January 1, 2027, the commission shall file its report and recommendations, including any recommendations for proposed legislation or regulations required to implement such recommendations, with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on health care financing and the joint committee on public health."