H 1168 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to eliminating the PCP referral requirement for specialty gynecological care

This bill eliminates a requirement for patients to get referrals from primary care doctors before seeing gynecologists or related specialists. It directly affects patients seeking specific gynecological care covered by insurance, including annual preventive exams, menstrual health issues (like heavy bleeding), maternity care, and emergency gynecological conditions. Insurance companies can no longer demand these referrals when patients visit OB/GYNs, nurse-midwives, or family practitioners in their network. The change simplifies access to timely care for these common health needs without altering insurance coverage.
Sub-Topics: Insurance
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Jul 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jul 22, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jul 22, 2026
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Oct 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors