An Act to strengthen the control of contagious and infectious diseases in the Commonwealth

This bill requires health insurance plans, medical assistance programs, and other coverage providers in Massachusetts to remove cost-sharing fees and utilization review barriers for treating specific contagious or infectious diseases. The state health commissioner would have the authority to designate which diseases are of heightened public health importance, a list that must be reviewed and updated at least annually. Once a disease is designated, all covered health services related to its prevention, diagnosis, or treatment must be provided without co-pays, deductibles, or prior authorization requirements. The law also mandates that the commissioner notify relevant agencies, health providers, and the public about these designations to ensure the new protections are implemented effectively.