Bill > S860

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Health Care Trust, a comprehensive single-payer healthcare system designed to provide universal healthcare coverage for all Massachusetts residents. The bill creates a new state agency that would replace the current multi-payer health insurance system with a unified public healthcare program that covers all medically necessary services without co-pays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket expenses. The Trust would be governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and Governor's Councillors, representing diverse stakeholders including healthcare professionals, labor organizations, and patient advocacy groups. The system would be funded through a series of dedicated taxes, including employer payroll taxes (7.5-8%), employee payroll taxes (2.5%), and taxes on self-employment and unearned income, with the first $20,000 of income exempted. The Trust would cover an extensive range of health services, including preventive care, emergency services, mental health, dental, vision, long-term care, prescription drugs, and emerging technologies. The bill aims to reduce healthcare administrative costs, eliminate financial barriers to healthcare access, ensure equitable care across different populations, and provide comprehensive health coverage as a right for all Massachusetts residents. The implementation would occur over a one-year transition period, with the first steps including appointing the Board, hiring an Executive Director, and establishing the necessary infrastructure for the new healthcare system.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S860