By Bob Katzen

The Senate 7-32, rejcted an amendment that would allow dually eligible individuals, also known as duals, who qualify for Medicare and MassHealth, to access care from any specialist or hospital enrolled in Medicare or MassHealth.

“The adoption of this amendment would ensure that dually eligible individuals can receive necessary healthcare services without being restricted by provider network limitations,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mark Pacheco (D-Taunton). “This provision maintains continuity of care, prevents sudden disruptions in services and ensures that duals, who often have long-standing relationships with providers managing their complex health and functional needs, are not forced to lose access due to network disruptions.”

Amendment opponents said a separate bill, similar to this amendment, was shipped off to a study committee because there are not yet sufficient estimates of the cost of the bill and other problem relating to it.

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington), the Senate chair of the Committee on Healthcare Financing, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on her opposition to the amendment.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No