H 4961 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to increase access to healthcare for ostomy patients

This bill requires health insurers to cover all medical supplies for ostomy care (including management of surgically created or spontaneous fistulas) without forcing patients to use non-medical alternatives. It mandates that insurers transfer ostomy care records within 72 hours when patients switch coverage, ensures suppliers are reimbursed at Medicare rates, and extends prescriptions for these supplies to at least one year with no disruption in coverage. The law also requires suppliers to provide one month's advance notice before changing products, including samples for trial, and guarantees patients can return to their original product if substitutions compromise care. These provisions directly affect ostomy patients, healthcare providers, and insurers across Massachusetts.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 28, 2026 Last action Jul 27, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jul 27, 2026
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Financial Services
lower
0 primary · 12 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.