In this special edition of our September newsletter:
  • How to obtain a Covid-19 vaccine this fall
  • My upcoming meeting with Senator Michael Moore
  • The use of HSA funds for DPC membership dues
  • Breaking news about azelastine nasal spray
Covid-19 Vaccine:
If you have found yourself confused and worried about how to get your Covid-19 vaccine this fall, here's what you need to know: 
 
On Wednesday September 3, the Department of Public Health issued a standing order allowing for all Massachusetts pharmacies to dispense and administer COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible persons. No prescription required! 
standing orders for MAss pharmacies
For all adults in my practice (ages 19+) you may freely make an appointment at your local pharmacy to get the updated vaccine, preferably in September or October.  The same recommendation stands for flu shots. 
 
For children ages 6m-18 yrs old, I will have both flu and Covid vaccine available in the office.  Please call us to make a vaccine appointment.
 
How Did We Get Here??
 
In the past few weeks, the following events have taken place:
  • RFK Jr. / HHS:  Fired CDC leadership, dissolved scientific advisory panels, narrowed vaccine agendas, withdrew mRNA funding
  • FDA:  Approved updated Covid-19 vaccines with narrow eligibility; created prescription and coverage hurdles
  • AAP and ACOG:  American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of OBGYNs broke from HHS guidance, issuing their own vaccine recommendations
  • Senate / Media:  Senate hearing exposed misleading statements by RFK Jr; bipartisan criticism and resignation calls
  • Public Health: Experts warn of fragmented guidance, reduced access, declining trust in institutions
 
How Massachusetts is Responding:
 
Several New England states (including CT, ME, MA, RI, VT) have come together to form a public health collaborative for vaccine guidance. 
Key Points:
  • Concerns over federal policy: The move was largely motivated by concerns over changes to federal vaccine guidance following the start of the Trump-Kennedy administration.
  • Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has stated that the coalition will ensure residents can access the vaccines they need AND has ordered state insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the Massachusetts DPH, regardless of federal guidance
  • Science-backed guidance: The group is focused on developing evidence-based vaccine recommendations that are not subject to the political changes in the federal government.
  • Broader health cooperation: The collaborative will also address disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and support state public health labs.
 
Legislation Update:
Bill H.1343 - An Act Relative to Direct Primary Care
what you need to know!
On September 19th, I, along with Dr Rekha Nair (another DPC owner in Westborough), will be meeting with Massachusetts Senator Michael Moore to discuss and promote bill H.1343.
 
Why is this important?  Senator Moore is the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Financial Services, where the bill is currently being reviewed and will soon have a hearing.   We hope to get his insight and support in moving this bill to the House floor for a vote. 
Learn More about this bill
How can you help?  We need your stories! 
Senators and Representatives want to hear personal testimonials as to why this bill is important to pass into law.  Read below on how you can make your voice heard and watch this video to hear a 5 min summary of the bill and what it is aiming to accomplish:
 
There are a few ways to share your opinions with our legislators:  you can email or call them directly (click on the blue button above).   Or, you can reply to this newsletter and send me your testimonial that I will hand deliver to Senator Moore on September 19th.
 
Don't know what to say?  Just be genuine.  Say, “Hi! I'd like you to support or co-sponsor bill H.1343 and here's why:”
 
Maybe you have an HMO and you are sick and tired of having to have an in-network PCP in order to get a referral.  
 
Maybe you are on multiple medications and it's difficult to afford them all. Imagine if your doctor could dispense them to you at wholesale prices.
 
Maybe you had to cancel a test or an MRI or a colonoscopy because your HMO required an in-network referral and the only in-network doctor you can find that still takes new patients is booking out into 2027.  
 
Even if you don't have an HMO, you can still advocate for this bill.  
 
 
 
Now is Not the Time to Stay Silent
 
Now more than ever, it is important for us to join forces with our state legislators to make a difference in healthcare.  We have to fight for what we want and what we need.  Your voice matters!
 
Other News Regarding HSAs!
 
Effective January 1, 2026, the Big Beautiful Bill provides provisions for the use of HSA funds to pay for Direct Primary Care membership fees:
  • The bill sets a monthly cap on reimbursable DPC fees — commonly reported as $150 per individual / $300 per family (with future inflation adjustments) — so only DPC fees within those caps are HSA-eligible.
  • The provision addresses HSA treatment only — it does not automatically make DPC fees eligible for FSAs/HRAs; further IRS/agency guidance and regs will be needed to clarify this.
If your family membership fees are exceeding $300/month and you'd like to use your HSA funds to pay for the maximum allowable, reach out to us so that we can assist you with the billing.
 
BIG Beautiful space for rent!
Our beautiful office in West Boylston is looking for a new tenant in the health-beauty-therapy-aesthetics field.  If you know someone who is looking, we can connect them with our wonderful landlord.  Please reply to this email.
 
 
As always, stay healthy, stay informed, stay active and involved.
Here's to your health,
 
Jenny LaBonte, MD
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Auburn, MA 01501, USA

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