April 22, 2026
The House Ways & Means Committee has released its proposed State Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget, and advocates are being asked to take immediate action to support amendments that are critical to the health and well-being of communities across the Commonwealth.
The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers is urging advocates, partners, and supporters to contact their House members and ask them to support three high-priority amendments that strengthen access to dental care and protect essential Medicaid drug pricing policies. These proposed amendments, filed by legislative champions, would have a direct impact on patients served by community health centers and the MassHealth program.
Priority FY27 Amendments to Support
Amendment #1413: Dental Benefits Commission
Sponsor: Representative Pat Duffy
This amendment would establish a special commission to study the appropriate level and structure of dental benefits provided under MassHealth and the Health Safety Net. The commission would examine existing coverage, identify gaps in access, and make recommendations to ensure that dental benefits meet the needs of patients, providers, and the broader health care system.
Creating this commission is an important step toward improving oral health outcomes and addressing long-standing inequities in dental coverage.
Amendment #897: Protecting 340B Providers in the Medicaid Program
Sponsor: Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian
This amendment would protect providers participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program by preventing MassHealth from restricting or limiting reimbursement or coverage of medications purchased through the program.
The 340B program allows safety-net providers, including community health centers, to stretch limited resources and reinvest savings into patient care. Preserving full access to 340B medications within MassHealth is essential for maintaining affordable, comprehensive services for vulnerable populations.
Amendment #1042: MassHealth Dental Cap – Denture Exclusion
Sponsor: Representative Ted Philips
This amendment would exclude partial and complete removable dentures from the dental spending cap under the MassHealth program. Dentures are a medical necessity for many patients, affecting nutrition, employment, and overall health.
Excluding dentures from the cap would remove a significant barrier to care and help ensure that MassHealth members can access essential dental services without facing prohibitive out-of-pocket costs.
Take Action Today
Advocacy is critical as the House considers amendments to the FY27 budget. Lawmakers need to hear directly from constituents and community advocates about the importance of these proposals.
Please click the link below to send an email to your House members urging them to support these priority amendments.
https://massleague.quorum.us/campaign/161212
Your voice can make a difference in advancing policies that protect community health centers and expand access to critical care across Massachusetts.