Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state laws to require health insurance plans to cover the cost of scalp and facial hair prostheses under specific medical conditions. It directly affects individuals who have lost hair due to cancer treatment, leukemia, certain autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, or permanent injury, but excludes hair loss caused by natural aging. To qualify for coverage, a treating physician must provide a written statement confirming that the hair replacement is medically necessary, and the prostheses must be subject to the same rules and limits as other medical devices. The legislation defines these items as artificial substitutes for lost hair, including wigs and eyebrow replacements, ensuring they are treated similarly to other prosthetic appliances.
Rep. Christine Barber
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill aims to remove financial and administrative obstacles for people accessing HIV prevention medication. It requires health insurance plans covering these drugs to eliminate all cost-sharing fees, such as co-pays and deductibles, and to stop requiring prior authorization or step therapy that could delay treatment. The law also mandates that necessary support services, like regular check-ups and counseling, be included in the coverage without extra charges. By streamlining access, the legislation seeks to ensure that individuals can obtain and maintain HIV prevention drugs without facing financial barriers or administrative hurdles.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require the state's Division of Developmental Services to cover medically necessary habilitative and rehabilitative treatments for adults aged 21 and older with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder. The legislation specifically mandates coverage for applied behavior analysis and various augmentative and alternative communication devices, such as tablets, when deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist. By expanding these insurance benefits, the bill aims to ensure that individuals with these conditions have access to essential care that helps develop, maintain, or restore their functioning.
By Representatives Khan of Newton and Santiago of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2859) of Kay Khan, Jon Santiago and others for legislation to impose an excise tax on distributors of certain drinks with added sugar and promoting healthy alternatives to such drinks. Revenue.
Maddy summaryThis bill grants the City of Somerville the authority to allow residents aged 16 and 17 to vote in local municipal elections, even though state law currently restricts voting to those 18 and older. Under the legislation, eligible young residents would register on a separate list using a special form and cast ballots only for local offices and city-specific questions, while remaining ineligible for state or federal elections. Once these individuals turn 18, they must transition to the standard state voter registration process to continue voting. The city would be responsible for creating the necessary forms and printing separate ballots for any local questions that appear on the state election day.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Massachusetts towns and cities to create their own rules for pesticides that are stricter than state standards. To pass such local rules, a city or town must get approval from its legislative body and its board of health. The law clarifies that these local regulations cover how pesticides are used and disposed of but do not apply to their transportation. By giving municipalities this authority, the bill aims to let communities tailor protections for their residents and environment to their specific needs.
By Representative Balser of Newton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2985) of Ruth B. Balser and others for legislation to transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Senate, June 27, 2024 -- The committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, to whom were referred ; the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2447) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Aaron L. Saunders, Jessica Ann Giannino, Sal N. DiDomenico and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect against attempts to ban, remove, or restrict library access to materials; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2528) of Julian Cyr, Natalie M. Higgins, John Francis Moran, Rebecca L. Rausch and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to free expression;(accompanied by bill, House, No. 4005) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to encourage the improvement of free libraries and library systems; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4229) of John Francis Moran and others relative to the right of students to freedom of expression in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4235) of Aaron L. Saunders and others for legislation to further regulate access to certain library materials; report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2839).
By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Meschino of Hull, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3139) of Christine P. Barber, Joan Meschino and others relative to setting deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and establishing programs to encourage private fleet electrification. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representatives Barber of Somerville and Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3138) of Christine P. Barber, Mike Connolly and Erika Uyterhoeven (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to establish a net zero standard for newly constructed buildings and major renovation projects. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. [Local Approval Received.]