By Tiffany Williams –
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a $234 million supplemental budget Tuesday aimed at shoring up hospitals and community health centers across the state, ensuring care for uninsured and underinsured residents.
The funding includes $122 million for acute care hospitals treating high numbers of low-income patients, $77 million for the Health Safety Net Trust Fund to reimburse providers for uncompensated care, and $35 million to support community health centers, including $2.5 million for shared services. The bill comes amid rising healthcare costs, more hospitals taking public insurance patients, and federal cuts that threaten local health infrastructure.
Healey called the package “a step forward in maintaining our world-class health care ecosystem,” warning that federal cuts have put additional strain on hospitals. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and state health officials echoed the urgency, saying the funds will stabilize financially pressured providers and guarantee continued access to care for Massachusetts residents.
Legislative leaders praised the swift action. House Speaker Ronald Mariano said the budget “targets support where it’s needed most,” while Senate President Karen Spilka called it a critical stabilizing measure amid federal chaos. Chairs of the relevant health care committees and local hospital leaders also emphasized that the funds provide immediate relief for hospitals and community health centers facing mounting financial pressures.
The supplemental funding aims to ensure that Massachusetts hospitals and community health centers can continue providing essential care to the state’s most vulnerable populations despite growing financial and systemic challenges.