By Representative Kerans of Danvers and Senator Lovely, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5593) of Sally P. Kerans (by vote of the town) relative to the town manager in the town of Danvers. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill creates a special legislative commission to study perimenopause and menopause care across Massachusetts, with 19 members representing diverse health, community, and advocacy organizations. The commission will collect data on care access and disparities, evaluate insurance coverage and treatment options, identify gaps in medical education for providers, and submit a report with recommendations by December 2027. Additionally, the state Department of Public Health will develop public education materials in multiple languages about menopause symptoms and treatments, provide training for healthcare workers, and support research on causes and therapies. The bill also establishes September as Perimenopause Awareness Month to increase public understanding of this life stage.
This bill requires insurance plans and Medicaid to approve non-emergency medical transportation (like ambulances and wheelchair vans) for specific services - dialysis, behavioral health, and post-acute care - valid for at least 3 business days, reducing delays for patients. It also mandates that insurers pay providers at least 2.5 times standard rates for these services to ensure adequate compensation. The law applies to Medicaid managed care organizations, commercial insurers, and health plans covering these transportation needs. A study on reimbursement adequacy and workforce impacts is also required.
H 5046 ("Freddy’s Law") requires all Massachusetts high school athletes participating in MIAA sports to undergo one electrocardiogram (EKG) screening before competing, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that all health insurance plans sold in Massachusetts - including state employee coverage, employer group plans, and individual policies - must cover this screening at no cost to families. It also directs the state to work with the MIAA to create policies covering athlete compliance, handling abnormal results, religious exemptions, and sharing screening results across schools. The law directly affects all high school athletes in MIAA sports and their insurance providers, ensuring EKG screenings are accessible without out-of-pocket costs.
H 5039 establishes the Massachusetts Merged Market Advisory Council to study the state’s combined health insurance market for small businesses and individuals (regulated under Chapter 176J). The council, composed of 13 members including industry experts and government officials, will analyze market data, identify affordability challenges, and recommend policy changes to stabilize coverage. It must submit a final report with findings and suggestions by December 2026, considering factors like premium trends, cross-subsidization, and new coverage options. This bill directly affects small employers and individuals purchasing health insurance in Massachusetts’ merged market.
This bill (H 5045) requires transparency for dental networks leased by third-party insurers. It mandates that Provider Network Entities (which manage dental provider networks) must provide dentists with written notices listing all insurance plans (Third-Party Health Plans) accessing their network, including specific fee schedules and administrative policies. Third-party Health Plans must also clearly inform patients when they use a leased network, report annually on patient usage per network, and maintain consistent quality standards across all networks they access. The law directly affects dentists participating in leased networks, insurers leasing networks, and patients receiving dental care through these arrangements.
H 5015 requires Massachusetts health insurers and health plans to reimburse community health centers at rates equivalent to MassHealth payments for the same services. It applies to all entities paying for Federally Qualified Health Center services, including private insurers, HMOs, and dental corporations. The law mandates that reimbursement must match MassHealth's payment methodology as of January 1, 2025, ensuring community health centers receive the same revenue they would get through Medicaid. Insurers must annually report compliance with this standard to the state insurance division.
H 5021 creates the Maternal Health Justice Fund to expand the doula workforce in Massachusetts. The fund, managed by the Department of Public Health, will provide scholarships for doula certification (prioritizing historically marginalized groups, low-income individuals, and underserved areas), support community doula programs, and fund workforce development. It requires certification programs to teach clinical knowledge (like anatomy and labor support), health equity, anti-racism, trauma-informed care, and cultural competence. The bill directly affects pregnant individuals, birth parents, and doulas by increasing access to non-medical support during pregnancy and postpartum.
Senate, January 15, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill improving campaign finance reporting for statewide ballot questions (Senate, No. 2916) (being the text of Senate, No. 2898, printed as amended)
This bill requires most health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover hearing aids for insured residents. It mandates coverage for one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months, based on a physician's written statement of medical necessity, with coverage extending to the best-fit device (regardless of brand) and related services like fittings, adjustments, and repairs. The law caps patient copayments at $200 per hearing aid and prohibits higher deductibles or out-of-pocket costs than for other durable medical equipment. It applies to all group and individual health insurance policies, including non-group plans, ensuring consistent coverage for people with hearing loss.
By Representative Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2371) of Christine P. Barber and others relative to the licensing, supervision and scope of practice of physicians assistants. Public Health.
By Representative Madaro of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2490) of Adrian C. Madaro and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to establish a physical therapy licensure compact. Public Health.
