Rep. Mindy Domb

Maddy summaryThis bill expands fertility preservation coverage for MassHealth enrollees and individuals with private health insurance who face infertility risks due to treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. It specifically includes sickle cell disease in the list of conditions that may lead to iatrogenic infertility, ensuring these patients can access services such as egg and sperm storage before undergoing necessary medical procedures. The legislation requires private insurers to cover these medically necessary services without discrimination based on age, disability, or other health factors, while also mandating that the state report on the financial impact of this coverage every three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid and certain other insurance plans to cover doula services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, including those with limited immigration status. It defines doula services as non-medical support provided during pregnancy, labor, and up to one year after birth, covering activities such as continuous labor support, home visits, and connecting families to community resources. The legislation mandates that plans cover continuous labor support and at least six visits across the prenatal and postpartum period without needing prior approval. Additionally, the bill creates a Doula Advisory Committee to guide policy implementation, ensuring the committee includes diverse representatives such as practicing doulas, individuals with lived maternal health experiences, and people from communities with worse maternal outcomes.

By Representatives Gentile of Sudbury and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2182) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile, Hannah Kane and others for legislation to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer. Public Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve access to telehealth services and address digital inequality for patients in Massachusetts. It requires state agencies to link the application process for affordable internet programs with the portal used to apply for other health benefits, helping those who need reliable internet to use telehealth. Additionally, the bill restricts insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for telehealth visits if they do not require it for in-person appointments and mandates that telehealth coverage includes reimbursement for interpreter services for patients with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers in Massachusetts from using consumer credit reports to screen job applicants or current employees. It also bans employers from asking candidates questions about their credit history or requiring them to waive their rights against such inquiries. The law includes specific exceptions for roles requiring national security clearance or when federal or state laws mandate the use of credit reports. Employers are further restricted from retaliating against individuals who file complaints or participate in investigations regarding credit discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to keep more young people out of the traditional juvenile court system by allowing them to receive community-based supervision and services instead. It achieves this by ensuring that children who need assistance are not automatically disqualified from diversion programs, even if they have previously been referred to court. The legislation also clarifies how assessments are conducted and what information can be shared, while specifying that certain serious crimes, such as those involving youthful offenders or long prison sentences, still exclude a child from diversion.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows medical cannabis patients from other U.S. states to access medical marijuana in Massachusetts. To qualify, a visitor must hold a valid medical certification from their home state and present photographic identification or a driver's license from that jurisdiction. The legislation grants these visitors the same rights and protections as local patients, with the specific exception that they cannot use the state's medical marijuana registry.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public elementary schools in Massachusetts to provide at least twenty consecutive minutes of supervised, unstructured free-play recess daily for students in grades K through 5. It mandates that this break time remains safe and free from academic instruction, ensuring it is not counted toward required learning hours or increased by new curriculum standards. Additionally, the law prohibits schools from reducing recess time when adopting new educational standards or curricula, protecting the opportunity for physical and social activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new, independent Office of Elder Advocate in Massachusetts to oversee the care and services provided to older adults and people with disabilities. The office will investigate complaints, examine systemic issues within state agencies and publicly funded private entities, and offer recommendations to improve safety and dignity for these populations. It also establishes a specific advisory council to guide the office and grants it the authority to impose temporary cost-sharing agreements to ensure timely access to services.