An Act to increase access to healthcare for ostomy patients

HD 2829 requires all health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover all medical supplies for ostomy care at a minimum Medicare reimbursement rate, eliminating barriers like non-medical supply requirements. It mandates hospitals performing ostomy surgery to employ certified ostomy care specialists and provide follow-up outpatient care, while ensuring prescriptions for these supplies remain valid for at least one year without interruption. The bill also requires insurers to transfer patient ostomy care information to new insurers within 72 hours and provide one month's notice with samples before changing product substitutions. This directly benefits ostomy patients by improving access to consistent, uninterrupted care, while setting new standards for insurers, hospitals, and suppliers.