Bill gives primary care the overdue attention it deserves

Massachusetts lawmakers took new steps toward strengthening primary care after years of physician shortages and difficulty securing appointments. The article describes the state’s long-standing access gap, noting that two in five residents struggle to obtain primary care and that 40% of emergency-room visits could have been handled in primary-care settings. It recalls proposals by former Gov. Charlie Baker, including “An Act to improve health care by investing in VALUE,” which would have required providers and insurers to raise spending on primary care and behavioral health, while keeping within a 3.1% annual health-care cost cap. Under the latest effort, Senate Bill S3116, “An Act relative to primary care for you,” passed the Senate 35-4 last week and would unlock matching federal funds to expand the primary-care workforce by training and recruiting more doctors. The bill now moves to the House for further review.