Rep. Adam Scanlon

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance carriers in Massachusetts from forcing patients to switch to cheaper alternative drugs if their current prescription is medically stable and was prescribed within the last six months. It specifically bans insurers from increasing costs, reducing coverage limits, or moving covered medications to more restrictive tiers during open enrollment or after a plan year begins. The law requires that coverage for these approved medications continue through the end of the patient's eligibility period unless the drug's safety is questioned by the FDA or its manufacturer.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new chapter in Massachusetts law to update how the state manages funding and fees related to digital infrastructure and streaming services. It establishes a policy framework that allows the state to assess fees from companies providing streaming entertainment based on their gross revenues generated within the Commonwealth. The legislation also sets guidelines for how local governments can regulate the use of public spaces for these services while encouraging diverse content and fair competition. Additionally, it creates specific processes for the Department of Revenue to collect unpaid fees and fines from operators that do not comply with the new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year pilot program at Taunton State Hospital to treat high-acuity behavioral health and dual diagnosis patients who are currently clogging emergency departments in Massachusetts's Southeast region. Under the plan, medically stable individuals with these conditions would be transferred to the hospital if they cannot be moved to another appropriate facility within four hours of arrival. The program would be staffed by registered nurses, psychiatrists, and other necessary personnel, with a specific committee tasked with developing care protocols and staffing plans during the first six months. After two years, an independent entity will produce a report evaluating the pilot's success in reducing emergency room overcrowding and the quality of care provided.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect homeowners in Massachusetts from unfair practices by local tax lien collectors. It establishes a fixed $30 fee for municipalities to record tax lien documents and requires that the sale of tax receivables be conducted through a public bidding process that evaluates offerors based on price, experience, and licensing status. Additionally, the legislation mandates that buyers must notify taxpayers within 12 business days of purchasing a lien, providing clear, multilingual information about the sale, redemption rights, and legal consequences in plain language.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans and military medics in Massachusetts to receive Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification without repeating state training if their military education is deemed equivalent. It requires the state department to create new standards for comparing military training with state requirements and to issue waivers for any courses found to be substantially similar. Applicants must provide proof of their military training to receive these exemptions, and the department will issue a verification document confirming the equivalency of their credentials.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts insurance laws to clarify how health insurers must calculate an enrollee's out-of-pocket spending toward deductibles and annual cost-sharing limits. It requires insurers to count any payments made by the enrollee or on their behalf, such as those from family members or employers, when determining these financial thresholds. The legislation also mandates that any cost-sharing reductions be applied immediately to lower the enrollee's total out-of-pocket expenses. These rules will apply to health plans entered into, amended, extended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health insurance coverage in Massachusetts to include three specific levels of addiction treatment: acute treatment, clinical stabilization, and transitional support services. It directly affects active and retired state employees and their dependents who are covered by the state's group insurance commission. The law mandates that these services be provided for up to 30 days without requiring preauthorization, while also setting rules for when insurance companies can review a patient's care plan. Additionally, the bill formally defines these treatment types and repeals an older section of state law related to addiction services.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to telehealth services and address digital equity issues for patients in Massachusetts. It requires state agencies to streamline the application process so individuals can simultaneously apply for affordable internet programs alongside other benefits. The legislation also mandates that health insurance carriers remove prior authorization requirements for telehealth services that would otherwise apply to in-person visits and ensures reimbursement for interpreter services for patients with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments. Additionally, the bill directs insurers covering state employees to create programs that identify and educate enrollees with low digital health literacy, while allowing physicians to provide telehealth care from any location within or outside the state as long as patient privacy is maintained.

May 9, 2024 -- The committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 34) of Jason M. Lewis, Paul W. Mark, John J. Cronin, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a comprehensive statewide policy concerning streaming entertainment services and the recovery of municipal costs for the management and maintenance of digital infrastructure, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2771).