Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts that cover standard mammograms to also cover advanced breast cancer screening methods, including digital breast tomosynthesis, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound. The law applies to employees of the state, Medicaid recipients, and individuals with private insurance policies, ensuring these advanced tests are covered on terms no less favorable than standard mammograms. A key provision prohibits insurers from increasing patient cost-sharing fees, such as deductibles or copayments, for these specific screenings to ensure they remain accessible. Additionally, the bill defines diagnostic examinations as medically necessary tests used to evaluate abnormalities found during initial screenings or based on personal medical history.
Rep. Dawne Shand
Sponsored bills
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 creates a new Secretary of Equity within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services to oversee efforts aimed at reducing health disparities. It defines "health equity" and "priority populations" as groups disproportionately affected by these disparities and requires the state health commissioner to include a chief health equity officer in their leadership team. The legislation also mandates that the health commissioner appoint at least one board member with specific professional experience related to health equity who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color. Additionally, the bill requires the state health commissioner to integrate health equity principles into all their official duties and powers.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid to cover doula services for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and up to one year after birth or pregnancy loss. The coverage includes continuous labor support, home visits, assistance with appointments, and help connecting families to community resources. By adding this specific provision to Chapter 118E of the General Laws, the legislation ensures that state-funded health care plans include these supportive services for qualifying beneficiaries.
By Representative Vitolo of Brookline, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Tommy Vitolo, Samantha Montaño and Francisco E. Paulino relative to electrical load aggregation programs. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representative Hamilton of Methuen, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Ryan M. Hamilton, Carmine Lawrence Gentile and Sally P. Kerans relative to personal financial literacy in schools. Education.
By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2246) of James J. O'Day, Edward R. Philips and others for legislation to authorize attending physicians to prescribe medical aid in dying medication that will end the life of patients in a peaceful manner. Public Health.