{"AmendmentNumber":"525","ParentBillNumber":"H5562","Bill":null,"Sponsor":{"Id":"AHP1","Name":"Alice Hanlon Peisch","Type":1,"Details":"https://malegislature.gov/api/GeneralCourts/194/LegislativeMembers/AHP1","ResponseDate":"2026-07-06T12:23:59.337"},"Category":null,"Action":"Consolidated","RollCall":[],"Title":"Special Commission on the Implementation of an Individual Marketplace Option for Medicare-Eligible Retirees","Branch":"House","RedraftNumber":null,"IsFurther":false,"GeneralCourtNumber":194,"Text":"Ms. Peisch of Wellesley moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:\r\n\"SECTION XXXX. (a) There shall be established a special commission to study, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the implementation of an Individual Marketplace option for Medicare-eligible retirees of the Commonwealth. The commission shall consist of the following members, or their designees, the Secretary of Administration and Finance, who shall serve as chair, the Executive Director of the Group Insurance Commission, the Commissioner of Insurance,  the Executive Director of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, one member appointed by the Senate President, one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one representative of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, one representative of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, one representative with expertise in Medicare and retiree health benefits, two representatives of organizations representing retired public employees; and one member with demonstrated expertise in health care economics or actuarial analysis.\r\n(b) The study shall include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the following: (i) the fiscal impact of implementing an Individual Marketplace model under Chapters 32A and 32B of the General Laws, including projected savings to the Commonwealth and municipalities over the short and long term; (ii) the availability, affordability, and comprehensiveness of Individual Marketplace plans available to Medicare-eligible retirees, including comparisons with existing group Medicare plans; (iii) the extent to which Individual Marketplace coverage may improve retiree choice, flexibility, continuity of care, and access to providers; (iv) consumer protections necessary to ensure that retirees experience no diminution in benefits or increase in premium obligations beyond those otherwise permitted under applicable law; (v) administrative requirements, implementation timelines, procurement considerations, and best practices employed by other states, municipalities, and public employers that have adopted similar models;  (vi) strategies to ensure transparent communication, enrollment assistance, and independent advocacy for retirees during any transition to an Individual Marketplace option; and (vii) any statutory, regulatory, or administrative changes necessary to facilitate successful implementation while preserving retiree protections.\r\n(d) In carrying out its work, the commission shall solicit input from retirees, municipal officials, labor organizations, health plans, consumer advocates, and other interested stakeholders through public meetings or hearings.\r\n(e) Not later than January 30, 2028, the commission shall submit a report, together with its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation, to the Clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Joint Committee on Public Service, the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means.\r\n(f) The commission may make recommendations regarding phased implementation, pilot programs, performance metrics, and ongoing oversight to ensure that any Individual Marketplace option achieves fiscal sustainability while maintaining or enhancing the quality of health benefits available to Medicare-eligible retirees\".\r\n"}