This bill (HD 428) requires all health insurance policies issued, delivered, or renewed in Massachusetts to cover "excess skin removal surgical procedures." It directly affects:
1) Active and retired Commonwealth employees (via Chapter 32A amendments),
2) All health insurance policies in Massachusetts (across Chapters 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G).
Key provisions mandate that insurance plans must provide this coverage without additional restrictions, applying to both individual and group plans. The bill does not define "excess skin removal" but requires coverage for the specified surgical procedures in all applicable policies.
HD 3787 requires health insurers in Massachusetts to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices without discrimination based on disability. It mandates coverage for devices designed for daily use and specific physical activities (like swimming or running), including repairs and replacements when medically necessary. The bill prohibits insurers from imposing stricter cost-sharing for these devices than for other medical services and ensures access to at least two in-network providers. This directly affects residents with limb loss or difference who rely on prosthetics or orthotics for mobility and daily function.
By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 728) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. relative to step therapy and in vitro fertilization insurance coverage. Financial Services.
HD 983 requires health insurance plans covering Commonwealth employees and retirees to provide full coverage for stuttering speech therapy, both in-person and via telehealth. The bill mandates coverage for both "habilitative" (helping develop skills for those with developmental stuttering) and "rehabilitative" (helping restore skills after impairment) therapy without annual visit limits, medical necessity reviews, or prior authorization. It also prohibits restrictions based on the cause of stuttering and ensures telehealth coverage meets standard benefit levels. This bill directly affects state employee health plans and licensed speech-language pathologists providing these services.
This bill requires health insurance plans to maintain adequate staffing during evenings, weekends, and holidays to review and respond to healthcare provider requests for prior authorization within 24 hours. It directly affects health insurance companies and healthcare providers who submit these requests for necessary patient treatments. The key provision mandates a 24-hour response window for all prior authorization requests, regardless of when they are received. This aims to reduce delays in accessing medically necessary care by standardizing response times outside typical business hours. The law applies to all health insurance plans as defined under Chapter 6D.
By Representative Plouffe of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 280) of Bridget Plouffe for legislation to provide insurance coverage for vision screening for children. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
This bill requires healthcare entities - including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacy benefit managers - to pay a surcharge toward funding two oversight bodies: the Health Policy Commission and the Center for Health Information and Analysis. The surcharge must be 30% to 40% of the state’s annual budget for these entities, minus revenues already collected from fees or federal funds. It specifies that payments must follow existing financial transfer rules (sections 64 and 66 of Chapter 118E) and cannot fall below established revenue thresholds. The bill directly affects covered healthcare providers and insurers by adding a new cost to their operating expenses.
This bill requires health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment for Alfi's syndrome (a genetic condition also known as 9p deletion syndrome) on the same terms as coverage for physical conditions. It mandates no annual or lifetime dollar limits for this care, prohibits restrictions on the number of visits to Alfi's syndrome providers, and requires coverage for specified services including habilitative/rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care. The law applies to all health plans offered through the state group insurance commission and ensures coverage isn't subject to lower limits than those for physical health conditions. It does not affect existing benefits or school-based services provided under individualized education plans.
HD 2560 requires most health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover hearing aids and related services. It directly affects Commonwealth employees and retirees, their children under 26 (or with disabilities), Medicaid beneficiaries, and all insured individuals under group or individual health plans. The bill mandates coverage for hearing aid exams, fittings, adjustments, and supplies (like ear molds) without requiring a prescription for those 18 or older, and prohibits stricter cost-sharing than other health benefits. This applies to group insurance, Medicaid, accident/sickness policies, and hospital service plans, ensuring consistent access to hearing aid coverage across multiple insurance types.
HD 1016 requires all health insurance policies issued in Massachusetts to cover dependent individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), regardless of age. This applies to group health plans, hospital service agreements, medical service agreements, and health maintenance contracts delivered in the state. The bill amends insurance laws to explicitly include ASD as a qualifying condition for dependent coverage, removing age limits that previously restricted coverage for autistic children. It directly affects families with autistic dependents who rely on employer or individual health insurance policies in Massachusetts.
