Press Release: 7/27/2026

Health Care Financing Committee Reports Redrafted Medicare for All Bill Favorably

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

CONTACT

David Cohen, Mass-Care: the Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care

(617) 297-8011, info@masscare.org

 

Bridgette Maynard, Office of Representative John Lawn

617-722-2430, bridgette.maynard@mahouse.gov

 

Celebrating a Major Step Towards Universal Health Care in Massachusetts

BOSTON, MASS - In an historic move, Chairman John Lawn and Mass-Care: the Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care are pleased to announce a significant milestone for H.5590, An Act establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts, following a redrafted bill’s advancement by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. The bill will set up a special commission on universal health care implementation.

The bill's advancement marks an important step in the legislative process and reflects the growing conversation around ensuring that every Massachusetts resident has access to affordable, comprehensive health care. Mass-Care has expressed its gratitude to Chair Lawn; the bill's lead sponsors in the House, Representatives Lindsay Sabadosa of Northampton and Margaret Scarsdale of Pepperell; and the members of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing for their thoughtful consideration of the legislation. This legislation has been supported by a broad coalition of patients, health care workers, advocates, and community organizations whose dedication has helped bring the bill to this point.

The legislation establishes that the Governor will be charged with setting up a commission to: 

(i) conduct an investigation and study single-payer models, assess costs, and analyze the feasibility of establishing a single-payer health care financing system in the commonwealth; 

(ii) develop and issue recommendations based on its findings relative to the implementation of a single-payer health care system or how best to achieve universal health care in the commonwealth, and the proposed health care financing of said system; and 

(iii) ensure equitable access to quality health care services for all residents of all identities to support health care as a human right, without discrimination based on age, financial or employment status, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, previous health conditions or diagnoses, and geographic location.

David Cohen, chair of the Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care (Mass-Care), said, “In the almost 30-year history of this bill, no legislative committee has reported it favorably.  We applaud this step and thank HCF committee chair John Lawn for his strong leadership and partnership along with Reps. Lindsay Sabadosa and Margaret Scarsdale, the House sponsors.  We are working with them on the next steps.“

Chairman John Lawn (D-Watertown), noted, “Sound policy begins with sound evidence. Before making consequential decisions about our health care system, we owe it to patients, providers, and taxpayers to ground those decisions in careful analysis and reliable facts. That’s why this commission will bring together experts to carefully examine whether a single-payer system can deliver better health care at a lower cost for Massachusetts families.” 

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate how far we've come and how much farther we can go together. “ said Representative Sabadosa (D-Northampton). “For every family that has ever delayed seeing a doctor due to concern for financial hardship, for every worker who has stayed in a job just to keep their health insurance, and for every person who has wondered whether they could afford essential care, this milestone represents hope.”

“Health care is a human right, and no one should have to delay or forgo care because of cost, employment status, or where they live,” said Representative Scarsdale (D-Pepperell). “This bill is a great step towards every Massachusetts resident having access to quality care when they need it. I am proud to join Representative Sabadosa, Chair Lawn, Mass-Care, and advocates across the Commonwealth in supporting this effort.”

The bill is now before the House Committee on Ways & Means.

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