Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover diagnostic breast cancer exams and digital breast tomosynthesis screenings with the same financial terms as standard mammograms. The law specifically applies to state employee group insurance and Medicaid managed care plans, prohibiting any increase in patient cost-sharing such as deductibles or copayments for these services. Additionally, it creates an exemption for high-deductible health plans that qualify for Health Savings Accounts, allowing them to maintain their tax status while still adhering to state preventive care requirements. By mandating equal coverage for advanced screening technologies, the legislation aims to improve early detection access without adding financial barriers for patients.
Rep. John Barrett
Sponsored bills
By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2162) of Carole A. Fiola and others for legislation relative to acupuncture detoxification specialists. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program called the Accessibility in the Creative Economy (ACE) to help arts, humanities, and interpretive science organizations in Massachusetts become more accessible to people with disabilities. The program will be managed by the Office on Disability, which will collect funds from a dedicated portion of the state budget, donations, and investment income to support projects. A special board, led by individuals with disabilities, will oversee the grants and decide how money is used for things like physical upgrades such as ramps and elevators, training for staff, and consulting services. Eligible recipients include for-profit, non-profit, and public organizations, with a preference given to artists living in the state. Grants will be awarded competitively based on their potential to create positive impacts for people with disabilities while also considering racial, geographic, and programmatic diversity.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Natalie M. Blais relative to establishing a state disaster relief fund for emergency management. Emergency Preparedness and Management.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas and distribution companies in Massachusetts to increase transparency when awarding construction contracts worth $100,000 or more for work on public roads. Under the new rules, companies must notify all bidders of the award decision within two business days and publish the winning contractor's name, bid amount, and project location on their website. Additionally, the law mandates that companies share the specific criteria used to evaluate bids and the numerical or qualitative score each bidder received. The bill includes an exemption for situations where only a single contractor responds to a request for work.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas and distribution companies in Massachusetts to publicly disclose details about construction contracts valued at $100,000 or more that involve work on public roads or pathways. Specifically, the law mandates that companies must notify all qualified bidders of their selection decision within two business days and publish the winning contractor's name, project location, and work duration on their websites. By making these procurement details accessible, the legislation aims to increase transparency in how private utility firms award construction projects to qualified bidders.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special legislative commission to evaluate how well the Executive Office of Health and Human Services is organized and functioning. The commission will examine whether the current structure allows the office to perform its duties efficiently and consider splitting it into separate cabinet-level agencies to improve performance. The group will include chairs of relevant legislative committees, the current secretary of health and human services, and six members appointed by the governor, including former officials and public administration experts. By March 1, 2024, the commission must submit a report with recommendations and draft laws to implement any changes.
By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester and Senator Moore, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2580) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, Michael O. Moore and others relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty. Public Service.