The Massachusetts House of Representatives has taken the next step in the annual budget process, with the House Ways and Means Committee releasing its proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The plan calls for $63.3 billion in total spending—3.6 percent above FY26 levels, but $33 million below Governor Healey’s proposal issued earlier this year.
Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and Speaker Ronald Mariano emphasized the challenge of building this budget amid significant uncertainty, including federal funding concerns, global instability, and a potential ballot initiative that could reduce the state income tax rate from 5 percent to 4 percent.
While funding for home care programs is increasing, those changes reflect higher utilization—not new investment in reimbursement rates.
The House proposal largely aligns with the Governor’s recommended budget for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, including MassHealth and the Department of Aging and Independence. Although line items for MassHealth Home Health and the state’s home care program show increases, these adjustments are tied to growing demand rather than rate changes.
In response, the Enough Pay to Stay Coalition—including the Home Care Alliance, the Home Care Aide Council, and Mass Aging Access—is working with legislative partners to advance rate-setting reform through the amendment process.
Advocacy alerts and opportunities for member engagement will be shared in the coming week as the budget process continues.
