Committee Extends Deadline for HCA Priority Bill

Advocates must stay engaged as legislative review continues

The Home Care Alliance’s top legislative priority—reforming how the state sets reimbursement rates for home care and home health services—hit a pause this week on Beacon Hill.

At issue is H. 767, An Act Clarifying Rate Setting Processes for Home Health and Home Care Services. The measure does not establish specific rates or mandate increases. Instead, it seeks to ensure that the process used by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is more transparent, consistent, and responsive. The bill would apply to both the Executive Office of Aging and Independence’s home care program and to MassHealth’s home health and Continuous Skilled Nursing programs.

This week, the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing extended its reporting deadline on H. 767 to March 18, 2026. This extension gives the Committee additional time to study and deliberate on the proposal—but it also delays any movement toward the next step in the legislative process, whether that be a favorable report, amendments, or referral to another committee.

For providers, the delay underscores the importance of keeping pressure on lawmakers and reinforcing the case that fair and sustainable rates are critical to workforce stability and access to care. The Alliance will continue working closely with legislative leaders, member agencies, and partners to push this bill forward in the coming months.