An Act relative to health equity and community health workers

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to ensure that insurance plans and healthcare providers must cover and reimburse services provided by certified community health workers. It defines the essential skills these workers need, such as cultural communication and health education, and explicitly prohibits insurers from denying coverage solely because a service was delivered by a community health worker. To support the growth of this workforce, the legislation establishes a task force led by legislative leaders to study barriers to retention, analyze workforce demographics, and develop strategies for expanding the role of community health workers in healthcare settings.