Rep. Colleen Garry

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires health insurance plans to cover the cost of artificial scalp and facial hair replacements for individuals who have lost hair due to cancer treatment, specific autoimmune conditions, or injury. The law explicitly excludes hair loss caused by natural aging or premature aging processes. To receive coverage, a doctor must certify that the prosthetic is medically necessary, and the insurance must apply the same rules and limits to these items as it does to other medical prostheses like artificial limbs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts tax deed procedures to protect homeowners facing foreclosure by requiring land courts to verify unpaid taxes and ensuring proper notice is given before a property is seized. It mandates that collectors post notices in public locations and newspapers, and it requires the court to treat the tax title holder like a mortgage lender with priority over other claims to the sale proceeds. Additionally, the legislation adds a bold warning to tax notices stating that failure to act results in losing property ownership, and it allows homeowners to redeem their property by collecting rent or other income from the land. These changes directly affect homeowners in Massachusetts who owe property taxes and the state officials responsible for collecting those debts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover wearable tracking devices for individuals diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder or Alzheimer's disease. The legislation defines these devices as waterproof, non-cellular trackers that function without a direct line of sight to the sky and include features to prevent false alarms. By mandating full coverage subject to standard deductibles and co-pays, the measure aims to ensure that these specific safety tools are accessible to affected individuals and their guardians.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to expand health insurance coverage for specific therapies addressing cognitive deficits caused by acquired brain injuries. It directly affects individuals suffering from conditions such as strokes or traumatic brain injuries by defining key treatment types like cognitive rehabilitation and neurobehavioral therapy. The legislation establishes clear definitions for these services to ensure they are recognized as medically necessary under existing insurance frameworks. Additionally, it includes provisions for community reintegration services aimed at helping patients safely return to work, school, and independent living.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends multiple Massachusetts state laws to explicitly include licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the list of qualified mental health providers. The changes update regulations across five different chapters to ensure these professionals can legally provide services in mental health settings. By adding their titles to the existing lists, the legislation expands the scope of who can deliver mental health care under current statutes. This update aims to clarify the roles of occupational therapy professionals within the state's mental health framework without altering other aspects of the laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change the asset limits for MassHealth, which is Massachusetts' Medicaid program. It directly affects individual applicants or recipients who have savings or resources below a certain threshold. The key provision raises the limit for individuals to $10,000 and for married couples to $15,000. Under current rules, people with assets exceeding these amounts may not qualify for coverage. This change would allow more low-income individuals and families to access health benefits if their assets fall within the new limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts state laws to officially include licensed rehabilitation counselors as recognized mental health professionals. The change directly affects insurance regulations and consumer protections by expanding the list of qualified providers eligible for coverage under various insurance statutes. By amending specific sections of the General Laws, the legislation ensures that rehabilitation counselors are treated with the same status as other licensed mental health experts, such as psychologists and social workers. This adjustment aims to broaden access to mental health services by formally acknowledging the role of rehabilitation counselors within the state's legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run program to lower out-of-pocket costs for Massachusetts residents with specific chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. It mandates that the state select one generic and one brand-name medication for each condition based on clinical evidence, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Under the new rules, these selected drugs would be covered with reduced co-pays for eligible patients. The legislation also explicitly designates insulin as the covered medication for diabetes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts laws to improve transparency and affordability for prescription drugs by updating how different types of medications are defined. It specifically clarifies the legal definitions of biosimilars, brand name drugs, and generic drugs to ensure consistency across the state's healthcare system. Additionally, the legislation expands coverage to include self-insured health plans, which were previously excluded from certain reporting requirements. By refining these categories and broadening the scope of included plans, the bill aims to provide clearer data on drug costs for consumers and insurers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special commission to investigate the needs of people living with Long COVID in Massachusetts, including medical, mental health, and socioeconomic impacts. The commission will be made up of representatives from various state agencies, medical organizations, and community groups, along with individuals who have Long COVID and community leaders. Appointed within 30 days, the group must hold public meetings and submit a report with recommendations and potential legislation by March 1, 2024. The commission will focus on ensuring its findings address equity across different racial, cultural, and regional populations before it dissolves or extends its work.