Beacon Hill’s most powerful lobbying shops continued to rake in cash at a growing rate this year from clients who want to sway policymakers on everything from sports betting to internet connectivity to, most frequently, health care. 

Continuing a long-running trend, many of the companies, industry groups, and other clients that spent the most on lobbying services between January and June work in health care or related fields such as pharmaceuticals. 

The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, which represents hospitals and providers, and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, which represents insurers, were the only two clients that spent more than half a million dollars each to influence state government in the first half of the year, according to data released this week by Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. 

MHA jumped into the top-spending spot this year with $577,789, flipping places with MAHP, which spent $550,065. In the same six-month span last year, MAHP ranked first with $616,981 spent and MHA second with $558,312 spent. 

“As the challenges of the Commonwealth’s biggest sector intensify, we are privileged to provide our elected officials with a united voice for the hospitals and health systems who rely on smart public policy to innovate, maintain care services, and meet the daily needs of patients,” said MHA spokesperson Sam Melnick. 

Lora Pellegrini, CEO of the group representing health insurance plans, said her group has been in regular communication with Beacon Hill this year “to evaluate the impact of proposed federal funding cuts that could disrupt coverage for Massachusetts residents starting in 2026.” 

Pellegrini, herself a registered lobbyist who earned more than $247,000 from MAHP in the first six months of the year, said the organization also worked with the Healey administration to implement new hospital oversight and prescription drug cost control laws. 

“In addition, as new health care legislation was introduced during the first half of the year, MAHP participated in public hearings to share data and perspectives, helping lawmakers understand how proposals would affect affordability and access for patients and employers across the Commonwealth,” she said.