MA H1355

Health Policy Commission must conduct annual reviews of all approved mergers and acquisitions to assess whether promised benefits (lower costs, better integration, improved quality) have been realized, with testimony subject to examination at public hearings

Health care entities with relative prices exceeding 1.3 or total medical expenses above statewide averages may be required to file performance improvement plans within 45 days, with implementation timelines capped at 18 months

Providers exceeding the health care cost growth benchmark, having above-median relative prices, or under performance improvement plans are prohibited from making material changes (mergers, acquisitions, expansions) until costs are reduced

Secondary health care facilities located more than 500 yards from primary facilities or with separate utility systems must obtain separate licenses, separate National Provider Identification numbers, and negotiate contracts independently with insurers

Commission may deny material changes that would result in unfair competition, violate antitrust laws, increase costs threatening the benchmark, or lack evidence that proposed efficiencies can only be achieved through the transaction