Rep. Dave Robertson

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits dental benefits corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and preferred provider arrangements from requiring dentists to accept specific fees for services the organization does not cover or reimburse. The law directly affects dental providers who work with these entities and the patients they serve by preventing contracts that mandate accepting non-covered rates. By adding these restrictions to existing state statutes, the legislation ensures that dentists are only obligated to accept particular fees for procedures that the insurance plan actually pays for.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts insurance laws to allow individuals with dental insurance to direct their benefits payments directly to a dentist who has not contracted with their insurance plan. To use this option, a patient must provide written authorization on a claim form, and the insurance company must then pay the dentist an amount at least equal to what they pay participating providers. The law permits insurers to review the specific patient's records to verify that the dental service was actually performed before making the payment. This change applies to most standard dental plans but excludes coverage for limited benefit policies such as accident-only insurance or disability income plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans, medical assistance programs, and other coverage providers in Massachusetts to remove cost-sharing fees and utilization review barriers for treating specific contagious or infectious diseases. The state health commissioner would have the authority to designate which diseases are of heightened public health importance, a list that must be reviewed and updated at least annually. Once a disease is designated, all covered health services related to its prevention, diagnosis, or treatment must be provided without co-pays, deductibles, or prior authorization requirements. The law also mandates that the commissioner notify relevant agencies, health providers, and the public about these designations to ensure the new protections are implemented effectively.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates running for public office in Massachusetts to use campaign funds to pay for child care services during campaign activities. It defines child care to include babysitting from various providers and permits payments to family members only if they operate a professional daycare or charge market rates. The legislation also requires the director of campaign finance to create specific regulations governing these expenses by December 31, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows motor vehicle insurance companies in Massachusetts to offer discounts to licensed drivers who complete a specific marijuana impairment education course. The course must be approved by the insurance commissioner and include a module on the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. It is offered by accredited driving schools or insurance companies and gives insurers the option, rather than a requirement, to provide these savings.

By Representative Kassner of Hamilton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kristin E. Kassner and Samantha Montaño relative to insurance coverage of hearing aids. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the MassMade Program within the Massachusetts Office of Business Development to identify, connect, and support local businesses that produce consumer goods within the state. The program will create a publicly accessible resource for consumers to find locally made products while helping businesses identify obstacles and serving as a hub for regional economic organizations. Additionally, the legislation requires a report on encouraging local companies to bid on state projects and mandates a feasibility study for an online system to facilitate the exchange of procurement information related to Massachusetts-made goods.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an Educational Mandate Task Force to review state laws and regulations that impose requirements on public schools and districts in Massachusetts. The task force will consist of eleven members, including legislative leaders, the state superintendent of education, and representatives from various school administration associations. Its primary goal is to identify outdated, duplicative, or inconsistent mandates and reporting forms, with a specific aim to streamline these processes and potentially create a single master reporting form. The group must hold at least one public hearing and submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the legislature within 12 months of its first meeting.

By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Antonio F. D. Cabral and others relative to requiring school attendance up to age 18 or until graduation. Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to remove the term "children born out of wedlock" and replace it with "nonmarital children and parentage of children," aiming to ensure all children receive equal legal rights regardless of their parents' marital status. It establishes a public policy that every child must have the same protections under the law, irrespective of the parents' gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. By updating the title of Chapter 209C and adding a new section, the legislation seeks to eliminate legal distinctions based on how a child was conceived or the family structure of their parents.