Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts' Commissioner of Public Health to create a statewide diabetes action plan in collaboration with key health agencies. The plan must set specific goals to reduce diabetes rates, improve care, and control complications, and it mandates biennial reports to legislative committees. These reports will detail diabetes's financial impact, affected populations, program participation, program effectiveness, and funding needs. The bill directly affects state health agencies, medical assistance programs, and diabetes prevention initiatives across Massachusetts.

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 715) of Julian Cyr, James B. Eldridge and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to LGBTQ family building. Financial Services.

Maddy summarySD 532 requires health insurers and government health plans to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases when supported by specific evidence, including FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or CMS determinations. It directly affects patients enrolled in Commonwealth group insurance (e.g., state employees) and Medicaid beneficiaries. The bill mandates coverage without unnecessary disruptions (like multiple biopsies) and sets strict timelines: insurers must approve or deny prior authorization requests within 72 hours (24 hours for urgent cases), with requests deemed approved if no response is received. Patients and providers also gain access to clear processes for appealing coverage denials.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 622) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to protect public health and reduce health care costs. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1362) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Rodney M. Elliott, Rebecca L. Rausch, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit mandatory overtime. Labor and Workforce Development.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 778) of Jason M. Lewis and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to public health dental hygienists. Financial Services.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 860) of James B. Eldridge, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Margaret R. Scarsdale, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish medicare for all in Massachusetts. Health Care Financing.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how prejudgment interest is calculated in Massachusetts civil cases. It replaces the fixed 12% annual interest rate with a rate based on the weekly average 1-year Treasury yield published by the Federal Reserve, effective the week before the judgment date. The change applies to both Section 6B (for certain cases) and Section 6C (for other cases) of Chapter 231 of the General Laws. This directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits where prejudgment interest is awarded, as the interest amount will now fluctuate with market conditions instead of remaining fixed. The policy shift moves from a set rate to a market-based calculation for determining pre-judgment interest.

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1847) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to provide diabetes prevention program benefits. Public Service.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1087) of James B. Eldridge, Brandy Fluker-Reid, Christopher J. Worrell, Joanne M. Comerford and others for legislation to abolish sentences of life without parole for individuals who committed crimes while they were considered minors or young adults. The Judiciary.