Bill > H3678

This bill, relative to protecting health care consumers, authorizes the Health Policy Commission (HPC) to conduct cost and market impact reviews for healthcare providers or organizations proposing significant changes. The HPC will issue a preliminary report identifying entities that hold a dominant market share, charge prices significantly higher than the median for similar services, and have or will likely have medical expenses materially higher than the median for comparable providers. Providers have a chance to respond before the HPC issues a final report, which will be referred to the Attorney General (AG) if the provider meets all three criteria. The AG can then take action, including legal challenges under Chapter 93A (which addresses unfair or deceptive trade practices), to protect consumers, with the HPC's report serving as evidence. The bill also clarifies that any proposed material change cannot be completed until at least 30 days after the HPC's final report is issued, and if the AG initiates legal action, the change cannot proceed until a final court judgment.