By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 755) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation related to health insurance benefits for municipal employees. Financial Services.
By Representative Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1154) of Michael J. Finn relative to insurance coverage of mobile integrated health. Financial Services.
By Representative Day of Stoneham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1126) of Michael S. Day relative to health care providers providing patients' health insurance carrier with estimates of the expected billing. Financial Services.
By Representative Garcia of Chelsea, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1168) of Judith A. Garcia and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to eliminating the health insurance referral requirement for certain specialty gynecological care. Financial Services.
By Representative Ayers of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3017) of Bruce J. Ayers relative to providing a tax deduction of health insurance payments from gross income for self-employed individuals. Revenue.
This bill (HD 2613) requires the MBTA's The Ride service to provide transportation to Boston for medical appointments for residents living within 25 miles of Boston. It directly affects low-income or medically-needing residents in that geographic area who rely on The Ride for healthcare access. The key provision mandates the MBTA to offer this service, with the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Board responsible for reimbursing the MBTA's costs. The bill establishes a clear funding mechanism to ensure the service remains available without direct MBTA expense.
This bill (HD 3215) modifies Massachusetts health insurance regulations to increase enrollment in affordable health plan networks. It creates exemptions for insurance carriers if most members are in single-rate regions, subsidized coverage (Chapter 176Q), or if 80%+ income comes from government programs. The bill also requires carriers to include entire provider groups in networks on an "all-or-nothing" basis, rather than selectively adding providers to select or tiered networks. These changes primarily affect health insurance carriers operating in Massachusetts, aiming to simplify network requirements for certain plans and improve access to providers for enrollees.
HD 799 requires all dental insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover two specific periodontal treatments: oral cancer screenings (dental exams for mouth cancer signs) and laser bacterial reduction therapy (a procedure using lasers to reduce harmful mouth bacteria). This applies to dental plans offered to Commonwealth employees (active or retired) under the Group Insurance Commission, as well as to all dental benefit plans provided by insurers licensed in Massachusetts. The bill mandates this coverage by amending key sections of the General Laws related to dental insurance regulations. It directly affects all dental insurers and plan administrators operating in Massachusetts.
By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 756) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation to expand insurance coverage for hearing aids and related services. Financial Services.
This bill (SD 2090) prevents local governments from increasing the percentage of health insurance premiums that retirees must pay. It directly affects local retirees who currently contribute to their health benefits through their retirement plans. The key provision freezes the current premium contribution rate for retirees if a government unit later approves a higher rate for new retirees; the existing rate cannot be raised to match that new higher percentage. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
