Transcript Highlights:

• mortality and you’ll see that.
• Because as we know, a lot of, when we talk about maternal mortality, around Black maternal mortality,
• mortality a while ago.
• And, you know, I did my thesis in grad school on infant and maternal mortality.
• I would assume that mortality, that that would be favorable, that that would reduce mortality.

Bills: SB274, SB301, SB249

Keywords: healthcare, life-sustaining treatment, patient preferences, POLST, advance directive, medical orders, hospital discharge, pregnancy, patient care, discharge planning, healthcare policy, substance use, harm reduction, syringe services, needle exchange, overdose prevention, naloxone, opioid antagonist, drug paraphernalia, syringe

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we've heard this before, but the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among other developed
• <c> crisis</c> maternal morbidity and mortality crisis maternal morbidity and mortality crisis we<00:
• </c><00:27:24.880><c> mortality</c><00:27:25.440><c> rate</c> has the highest maternal mortality rate
• has the highest maternal mortality rate among<00:27:26.240><c> other</c><00:27:26.480><c> developed<
• The highest maternal mortality rate amongst all industrialized nations, and mental health conditions

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• John Hellerstedt sent a letter to the governor stating that the 2022 Maternal Mortality and Morbidity
• The maternal mortality and Morbidity Review Committee was established in 2013 to review findings and
• statewide rates, ratios, and trends, providing opportunities to address maternal mortality, morbidity
• Since 2013, the committee's work has been instrumental in addressing the state's maternal mortality rate
• If I'm, if I'm reviewing the records to figure out what's going on with maternal mortality, right, I'm

Bills: HB163, HB 296

Keywords: judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the United States has one of the worst maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed
• c> and</c><00:29:19.200><c> so</c> maternal mortality in Minnesota and so maternal mortality in Minnesota
• maternal mortality review committee, or MMRC.
• She said Minnesota's maternal mortality review process has evolved significantly in the last six years
• ><c> and</c> maternal mortality review reports and maternal mortality review reports and we're<00:30:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Maternal Mortality The mortality rate has been rising for decades, with the U.S. being the only developed
• The rate of maternal mortality cases in Texas rose by a staggering 56% compared to 11% nationwide.
• Since Texas passed one of the most aggressive abortion bans in the nation, we've seen maternal mortality
• The maternal mortality rate in Texas rose by 56% from 2019 to 2022 after the passage of Senate Bill 8
• When I proudly say everything's bigger in Texas, I don't want it to include our infant and maternal mortality

Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6, SB 6, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life

Transcript Highlights:

• We are living in a Black and Brown maternal mortality crisis.
• mortality in the U.S.
• We as a nation have had increasing maternal mortality since the 1980s.
• mortality.
• Mortality is the tip of the iceberg, right?

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas leads the nation in maternal mortality, in pregnancy sepsis rates, and in infant deaths.
• Um, we, we set up a maternal mortality and, um, And morbidity review committee in this state.
• Um, uh, Roe returned in 2022, the maternal mortality rates in Texas increased by 33%.
• The rates are even more dramatic, where black women saw maternal mortality rates go from 31%, 31.6% to
• In terms of maternal mor mortality and morbidity.

Bills: SB 6, SB 11, SB 33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas leads the nation in maternal mortality in pregnancy, sepsis rates, and in infant deaths.
• We set up a maternal mortality and morbidity review committee in this state.
• And so if you look at the period between 2019 and 2023, the maternal mortality rates in Texas, and this
• The maternal mortality rates in Texas increased by 33%. Is that your data? Yes.
• For women, the rates are even more dramatic, where Black women saw maternal mortality rates go from 31.6

Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• mortality review committee, and the fetal and infant mortality review panel for the exemption.
• mortality review committee, and the fetal and infant mortality review panel for the exemption.
• mortality, and fetal and infant mortality, and the health department is going to go to these providers
• </c><00:03:19.280><c> mortality</c><00:03:20.400><c> and</c><00:03:20.640><c> fetal</c> child death maternal
• mortality and fetal child death maternal mortality and fetal and<00:03:21.120><c> infant</c><00:03:21.519

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IN FISCAL YEAR 24 25 NEARLY 10,000 WOMEN ENROLLED IN THE TELEHEALTH MATERNITY CARE PROGRAM.
• IN ADDITION THE PROGRAM HAS DEMONSTRATED IMPROVEMENTS AND MATERNAL OUTCOMES FOR EXAMPLE, THERE HAS BEEN
• I AM LISTENING FOR INFANT MORTALITY TYPE SITUATIONS IN YOUR CONVERSATION. >> Chair: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED
• AND PREGNANCY RELATED MORTALITY INFANT MORTALITY IS ESPECIALLY COMPLICATED BECAUSE OF COURSE YOU HAVE
• TO FOLLOW POSTDELIVERY FOR ONE YEAR AND THAT IS THE DEFINITION OF INFANT MORTALITY IS ONE YEAR FOLLOWING

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• women and postpartum women who are at increased risk for severe maternal morbidities.
• In addition, the program has demonstrated improvements in maternal outcomes.
• In addition, the program has demonstrated improvements in maternal outcomes.
• mortality.
• That's the definition of infant mortality: one year following delivery.

Summary: The committee met to receive implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws from AHCA and the Department of Health. AHCA reported on rural emergency hospitals, explaining the new Class 4 hospital designation, rule changes completed June 1, 2025, and that no Florida hospitals have yet converted, though one North Walton/DeFuniak Springs-area hospital has expressed interest. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement for hospitals with emergency departments, saying 83 plans had been received since July 1 and 63 approved, with plans emphasizing patient education, referrals to primary care or urgent care, and coordination for Medicaid managed care enrollees through the Florida HIE/ENS system. Members asked about HIE capacity, data collection, and whether the plans would identify shortages or trigger accountability measures; AHCA said it had moved to a new HIE vendor and would continue gathering data. AHCA also updated the committee on the TEACH workforce program, reporting $6.8 million in FY 2024-25 spending across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed, and said a federal 1115 workforce waiver was unlikely to move forward under CMS. On KidCare, AHCA said House Bill 121’s expansion to 300% of the federal poverty level remains blocked by federal litigation and CMS action tied to premium nonpayment rules, and members and public witnesses urged prompt implementation and asked for enrollment/disenrollment data and the rural health transformation funding outlook. Public testimony largely supported the NCAP and TEACH programs and pressed for action on KidCare. Representatives from health centers said NCAP has strengthened hospital-health center relationships and improved care coordination, including reduced recidivism in some hospitals. A Bond Community Health Center physician said TEACH is helping offset the burden of training students and could help address workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Advocacy groups urged the committee to push for implementation of the KidCare expansion, citing children in the coverage gap and rising uninsured rates. The Department of Health then presented on several programs from the 2024-25 session. It reported on the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program, including 78 dentists and 15 dental hygienists funded under the dental track and nearly 1,300 medical professionals funded overall, with 123 dental applications and 71 funded dentists in the most recent cycle. DOH also updated the Screening and Services Grant Program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, the statewide telehealth maternity care program, and the swimming lesson voucher program, noting strong participation and outcomes such as reduced ER visits and improved postpartum follow-up in the maternity program. Finally, DOH said implementation of the HIV prevention drug/pharmacist dispensing law is underway, with three certification courses approved and five certifications issued. Members asked about barriers to wider use of HIV prevention drugs, more detailed maternal outcome data, and the dental workforce program report; DOH said more detailed reports would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• So maternal mental health issues, known as MMH, are the leading complication of childbirth.
• SO MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES KNOWN AS MMH ARE THE LEADING COMPLICATION OF CHILDBIRTH.
• It is an opportunity for us to recommit our efforts to reduce maternal mortality as well and improve
• It is an opportunity for us to recommit our efforts to reduce maternal mortality as well and improve
• We recommit our efforts to reduce maternal mortality as well and improve mental health care in our state

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s journal and proceeded to a lengthy third-reading calendar. Early business included several motions to discharge Assembly bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, along with a few bills laid aside for the day. The chamber also recalled two bills from the Assembly, restored one bill to the Third Reading Calendar after reconsideration, and received amendments on two other bills without changing their calendar status. The Senate then took up a large number of bills across topics including labor, energy, insurance, consumer protection, environmental conservation, health, banking, elections, public service, education, workers’ compensation, criminal justice, local government, and tax law. Most measures passed with broad support, though several drew recorded opposition. Notable debate included Senator Mayer’s explanation for a bill intended to prevent treatment-court participants, including veterans, from losing their driver’s licenses twice after completing diversion programs; Senator Ryan’s support for a bill expanding prosecutors’ ability to treat repeat sexual abuse as persistent abuse; and a sharp exchange on a bill repealing New York’s HIV/STI criminalization law, with Senators Borrello and Chan opposing it and Senator Salazar defending the repeal as necessary to reduce stigma and protect survivors. The chamber also adopted and recognized several resolutions and guest presentations. Members welcomed the Tri-Valley Secondary School girls cross country champions, Miss America Cassie Donagan and Miss New York Teen Nadia Anwar, and the Hudson High School varsity boys basketball team. Later, the Senate took up a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Maternal Mental Health Month, with multiple senators speaking in support of greater awareness, reduced stigma, and improved care for pregnant and postpartum New Yorkers. At the end of the session, the sponsors opened the day’s resolutions for co-sponsorship, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, June 1 at 12 noon, with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• women and postpartum women who are at increased risk for severe maternal morbidities.
• In addition, the program has demonstrated improvements in maternal outcomes.
• mortality.
• And that's the definition of infant mortality: one year following delivery.
• The clock is ticking, but I can't get away from the telehealth maternity care program.

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed members back for the first committee weeks, and heard brief personal updates from several senators before moving into agency implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws. The Agency for Health Care Administration reported on Senate Bill 64 creating rural emergency hospitals, explaining that AHCA adopted the required rules effective June 1, 2025, but that no hospitals have yet been designated. Members asked about possible hospital conversions, accreditation and survey responsibilities, and whether Florida would apply for federal rural health transformation funding; AHCA said it intends to apply and has already been working on the issue with federal officials. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement under Senate Bill 7016. The agency said hospitals with emergency departments must submit plans that help redirect non-emergent patients to appropriate care settings while complying with EMTALA, and that 83 plans had been received and 63 approved as of September 30. Members asked about data collection, managed care coordination, and the state’s health information exchange; AHCA said it has moved to a new HIE vendor and will continue monitoring implementation and possible care gaps. AHCA then updated the committee on the TEACH program, saying $6.8 million was spent in 2024-25 across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed. The agency said rulemaking is nearly complete, a new nursing student category and expanded facility eligibility were added, and a federal 1115 workforce waiver remains stalled after CMS signaled it will not approve new workforce demonstrations. AHCA also reviewed House Bill 121 on KidCare eligibility, explaining that implementation of the 300% poverty-level expansion remains blocked by federal litigation and waiver issues tied to premium nonpayment rules; members and public speakers urged action to close the coverage gap. Public testimony on AHCA’s presentation came from representatives of health centers and advocacy groups, who said the non-emergent care access plan has improved hospital-health center coordination and reduced repeat emergency use, and who urged implementation of KidCare expansion for children in the coverage gap. The Department of Health then presented updates on FRAM, the Sanadi screening grant program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, telehealth maternity care, swimming lesson vouchers, and House Bill 159 on pharmacist dispensing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. DOH reported strong participation in FRAM and the telehealth maternity program, 24 Sanadi grant awards in 42 counties, 4,945 swimming lesson vouchers issued last year and 2,371 so far this year, and three approved certification courses with five pharmacist certifications issued under HB 159. Committee members asked about recruitment of dentists and other providers, telehealth maternity outcomes, and why participation in the maternity program remains below expected levels; DOH said outreach and regional referral networks are expanding and more detailed outcome data will be included in the upcoming legislative report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maternal mortality continues to increase in Texas, especially among Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women
• Funding the Maternal Mortality Review System will improve Texas's ability to track the impact.
• Maternal mortality continues to increase in Texas, especially among Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women
• Maternal mortality continues to increase in Texas, especially among Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women
• Funding the maternal mortality review system will improve Texas' ability to track the impact of legislation

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Childbirth is, especially here in Texas, where maternal mortality rates have risen by 56% between 2019
• Since this war on women began, maternal mortality rates have risen 50% in the state of Texas compared
• We know that maternal mortality in Texas has risen.
• We are the third worst state in maternal mortality. That is...
• So, the Texas maternal mortality rate has increased more than five times.

Bills: HB229, HB229, HB3990, HB5082, HB5510

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district

Transcript Highlights:

• In the United States and in Minnesota, we have a maternal health crisis causing high levels of maternal
• morbidity and mortality.
• deserts. maternity deserts based on the availability of birthing facilities, maternity care providers
• Expanding entry to midwifery can help to increase access to more maternal health providers and maternal
• Maternal mortality and morbidity are also rising overall in the United States and increased sharply during

Transcript Highlights:

• is my privilege and my pleasure to be here with you this afternoon to discuss HB89, the Alabama Maternal
• But HB89, the Alabama Maternal Health Care Act, would provide presumptive eligibility to pregnant women
• As you know, we have the worst maternal mortality rates in the country and third to last in infant mortality
• So, I really want to champion maternal health care and look...
• Champion maternal health care and look for ways that we can bring those numbers up and really show how

Bills: HB30, HB35, HB72, HB89, HB30, HB35

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• I think some on this committee are quite familiar with the trends in maternal morbidity and maternal
• mortality that we're seeing.
• We've seen over the past 10 years a steady increase in maternal morbidity and maternal mortality here
• You talk about child mortality disparities, maternal mortality disparities, right?
• This was a maternal health task force that was established by an act of the Legislature and the maternal

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session on health and human services, held in Clinton and opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs, local officials, and committee members. The chairs emphasized the importance of hearing directly from agencies about the Commonwealth’s health care and human services budget needs, thanked Clinton for hosting, and introduced the day’s panels, beginning with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and then MassHealth. Secretary Kiame Mahania presented Governor Healey’s FY27 EOHHS budget, describing a $33.7 billion request driven largely by non-discretionary cost growth, caseload increases, and federal uncertainty. He highlighted targeted investments in foster parent reimbursement, family resource centers, maternal health, food assistance, immigrant legal services, and workforce rates, while warning that federal cuts and the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act could strip billions from state health funding. Members questioned him about primary care shortages, federal program integrity audits, ConnectorCare, regional health disparities, and the proposed cap on adult dental coverage; he defended the cap as a difficult but necessary cost-control measure and said the administration would continue cooperating with federal partners. Undersecretary Michael Levine then testified for MassHealth, saying the agency faces two major challenges: rapid cost growth and looming federal changes. He outlined a $22.7 billion gross MassHealth budget and proposed actions including a moratorium on new expansions, capping adult dental benefits at $1,000, ending GLP-1 coverage for weight loss only, reducing care management spending to peer-state levels, and convening work groups to slow growth in personal care attendant, adult foster care, and adult day health programs. He also warned that federal policy changes could cause about 300,000 residents to lose coverage by 2030 and reduce federal revenue by about $3.5 billion, and said MassHealth would use outreach and systems changes to help eligible members stay covered. Members raised concerns about the impact of these cuts on homeless care, preventive services, dental access, GLP-1s, and regional hospital and specialist shortages, while Levine argued the proposals were aimed at preserving core coverage and sustainability.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think some on this committee are quite familiar with the trends in maternal morbidity and maternal
• mortality that we're seeing.
• We've seen over the past 10 years actually a steady increase in maternal morbidity and maternal mortality
• You talk about child mortality disparities, maternal mortality disparities, right?
• This was a maternal health task force that was established by the Act of the Legislature and the maternal

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The hearing opened with welcoming remarks from House and Senate Ways and Means co-chairs and local officials in Clinton, followed by introductions from committee members. The first panel was Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahania, who presented Governor Healey’s fiscal 2027 EOHHS budget. He said the $33.7 billion proposal is driven largely by non-discretionary cost growth, federal uncertainty, and rising caseloads, and he highlighted targeted investments in foster care, maternal health, youth services, nutrition, immigrant legal services, human services wages, and a one-year extension of ConnectorCare eligibility. He also warned that federal changes could strip roughly $3.5 billion annually from the state’s health care system and said the administration is trying to preserve core services while preparing for a more difficult fiscal year ahead. Members questioned the secretary on MassHealth cuts, primary care shortages, program integrity, and regional health disparities. He said the administration is cooperating with federal audits and has no objection to program integrity reviews, while also noting the need for more staff and technology to respond to likely increased requests. On primary care, he pointed to the Legislature-mandated primary care task force, loan repayment, reduced administrative burden, and better pay as key tools. He also discussed the fragility of the health care system in western Massachusetts and other regions, saying the state is using a new health care planning bureau and health equity initiatives to address hospital, maternity, and pharmacy deserts. Undersecretary Michael Levine then testified for MassHealth, describing the agency’s FY27 budget and the need to slow double-digit spending growth in long-term services, pharmacy, and behavioral health. He outlined proposed changes including a $1,000 annual cap on adult dental benefits, ending MassHealth coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss only, reducing care-management spending to peer-state levels, and convening work groups on personal care attendants, adult foster care, and adult day health. Levine said these steps are intended to preserve coverage for eligible members while preparing for federal changes that could affect about 300,000 residents by 2030, including new work requirements and redeterminations. Members pressed him on the dental cap, GLP-1 coverage, and cuts to community partner programs; Levine said the proposals were based on comparisons with other states, were developed internally, and were meant to sustain the program while keeping essential care available.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think some on this committee are quite... ...familiar with the trends in maternal morbidity and maternal
• mortality that we're seeing.
• We've seen over the past 10 years a steady increase in maternal morbidity and maternal mortality here
• You talk about child mortality disparities, maternal mortality disparities, right?
• One of the things the maternal health task force was asked to look at was the impact of the maternal

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a Health and Human Services budget hearing in Clinton, with opening remarks from Chairs Meg Kilcoyne and Robin Kennedy, local officials, and many House and Senate members introducing themselves. The hearing focused on Governor Healey’s FY27 EOHHS and MassHealth budgets, with repeated themes of rising health care costs, federal funding uncertainty, workforce shortages, and access to care in underserved regions. Members also raised concerns about primary care shortages, rural and regional disparities, behavioral health access, maternal health, food insecurity, and the impact of federal policy changes on Massachusetts programs. EOHHS Secretary Kiame Mahaniah said the FY27 EOHHS budget totals $33.7 billion, reflecting mostly non-discretionary growth from health care costs, labor costs, caseload increases, and provider rate pressures. He highlighted targeted investments in foster care, family resource centers, maternal health, youth services, nutrition programs, immigrant legal services, and human service workforce rates, while warning that federal actions could strip roughly $3.5 billion annually from the state’s health care funding. In response to questions, he defended the administration’s cooperation with federal audits and program integrity efforts, discussed the primary care crisis, and said the state is trying to preserve core services while preparing for a more difficult FY28 budget cycle. MassHealth Undersecretary Mike Levine then described two major FY27 challenges: double-digit cost growth and the expected effects of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He said MassHealth’s proposed $22.7 billion gross budget includes a 7.5% increase and relies on a moratorium on new expansions plus targeted reductions, including a $1,000 annual adult dental cap, ending GLP-1 coverage for weight loss only, reducing care management to peer-state levels, and work groups to slow growth in PCA, adult foster care, and adult day health spending. Members questioned the impact on Boston Health Care for the Homeless, preventive care, and regional access; Levine said the changes are meant to preserve sustainability, that children and certain disabled populations remain protected, and that the administration will continue working with providers, advocates, and the Legislature on implementation and longer-term reforms.