MA H1237

Establishes a Health Care Access Bureau within the Division of Insurance, overseen by a deputy commissioner, to conduct rate reviews of health insurance premiums for plans offered in Massachusetts

Requires the deputy commissioner to develop affordability standards for rate review that consider consumer costs (premiums, deductibles, copays, out-of-pocket maximums), purchaser costs, and alignment with the state's health care cost growth benchmark

Mandates the bureau examine causes of premium rate increases and excessive provider price variation using data submitted during rate reviews

Requires minimum staffing including a first deputy, general counsel, chief health economist, chief actuary, chief research analyst, and chief examiner, all exempt from civil service requirements

Funds the bureau through $2,000,000 in annual assessments on licensed health insurance carriers, plus additional amounts for indirect costs, with carriers required to pay within 30 days of assessment notice