MA S916

Expands the definition of "mandated health benefit proposal" to include regulations that mandate coverage, reimbursement, or payment rates for health services, prescription drugs, diseases, or providers, as well as rules that limit cost-sharing, deductibles, or utilization management programs like prior authorization and step therapy

Requires state agencies (including the Health Connector, DPH, DMH, MassHealth, and Division of Insurance) to request a cost and impact review from the Center for Health Information and Analysis before implementing any new mandated health benefit through regulation, rule, bulletin, or guidance

Mandates that the CHIA review report be publicly available at least 30 days before any public hearing on the proposed regulatory change

Authorizes the Division of Insurance commissioner to approve health insurance policies for individuals and small businesses that cover only essential health benefits as defined under the Affordable Care Act (ACA Section 1302(b)(1))

Establishes a legislative policy imposing a moratorium on enacting new mandated health benefit laws until statewide health care expenditure growth meets the health care cost growth benchmark under Chapter 6D, Section 9