Legislative News & Alerts

The MOA and its dedicated lobbyist will monitor health care related bills and act and respond appropriately. Please check back for updates and action alerts to mobilize the MA orthopaedic Community.

May 2025 - Highlights shared from the Annual Meeting Legislative presentation:

Massachusetts legislative updates, healthcare bills, and advocacy efforts impacting medical professionals and patient care.

  • Legislative session runs from January 25, 2025, to December 26, 2026. ​

  • 19 new House representatives and 3 new Senate members appointed.

  • Anticipated budget shortfall due to decreasing state revenue and expected federal cutbacks.

  • Focus areas include public/private insurance, patient access, medical liability, and substance abuse.

  • Advocacy for healthcare provider interests and patient safety.

Health Care Bills Signed into Law in 23/24 Legislative Session ​

  • Chapter 343: Increased oversight of private equity in healthcare and licensure for urgent care centers.

  • Chapter 342: Regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) for drug pricing transparency. ​

  • Price transparency law delayed until 2027 due to compliance issues with federal regulations. ​

  • Limited licensure for foreign-trained physicians streamlined to address physician shortages. ​

Prior Authorization Reform

  • H.1136 & S.1403: Prohibits retrospective denials and establishes a 24-hour response time for urgent care. ​

  • Requires insurers to report prior authorization statistics to the state. ​

MODIFIER 25

  • H.1162/S.810: Protects physician reimbursement when Modifier 25 is applied. ​

  • Supported by various medical associations and reported to the Financing Services Committee. ​

Other Legislation Supported by MOA

  • H.1130/S.763: Establishes payment parity for telehealth services. ​

  • H.1125/S.693: Prohibits non-medical switching of prescription drugs mid-policy year. ​

  • H.1178/S.811: Expands insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices. ​

2025/26 Podiatry Legislation ​

  • H.2407 & S.1542: Define podiatry and its scope of practice. ​

  • H.459/S.230: Enhances oversight of podiatrist licensure. ​

Overview of Health Care Scope of Practice Legislation

  • Expands practice for athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physician assistants. ​

  • Recognizes APRNs as equivalent to physicians in certain situations. ​

WHY SHOULD PHYSICIANS PARTICIPATE IN LEGISLATIVE PROCESS? ​

  • Physicians are essential for informing legislators on medical issues. ​

  • Engagement in the legislative process is crucial for community representation and advocacy.