Sen. Jason Lewis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover diagnostic breast cancer exams and digital breast tomosynthesis screenings with the same financial terms as standard mammograms. The law specifically applies to state employee group insurance and Medicaid managed care plans, prohibiting any increase in patient cost-sharing such as deductibles or copayments for these services. Additionally, it creates an exemption for high-deductible health plans that qualify for Health Savings Accounts, allowing them to maintain their tax status while still adhering to state preventive care requirements. By mandating equal coverage for advanced screening technologies, the legislation aims to improve early detection access without adding financial barriers for patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts Medicaid eligibility rules for seniors by raising the monthly income limit to 138% of the federal poverty level, which will be adjusted each year. It also changes how assets are counted, allowing seniors to include the cash value of their life insurance policies and increasing the resource limit to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples. The state Medicaid agency must submit a plan to implement these changes within 30 days and create necessary regulations to enforce the new limits. These adjustments directly affect older adults seeking Medicaid coverage and the state's administration of the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates eligibility rules for Massachusetts Medicare savings programs, specifically affecting low-income seniors who qualify for assistance with Medicare premiums and costs. It raises the income limit for these programs to 165% of the federal poverty level and removes the asset test, meaning individuals will no longer be disqualified based on the value of their savings or property. Additionally, the bill requires the state to create a waiting list if more people qualify for the Qualified Individual Program than the available funding allows. The legislation also mandates that the state submit a plan amendment to finalize these changes within 30 days of the bill taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state's pediatric palliative care program to ensure eligible children have guaranteed access to its services. It removes language that previously stated the program did not create enforceable legal rights or entitlements for families, replacing it with a statement affirming that all eligible children will receive care. Additionally, the bill increases the program's funding cap from $19 million to $22 million and mandates quarterly reporting on caseloads and spending to legislative committees. These changes directly affect families with seriously ill children and the state health department responsible for administering the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts law to standardize how addiction treatment is provided to people in correctional facilities, ensuring they receive care based on clinical evidence rather than policy restrictions. It requires jails and prisons to offer medication for addiction treatment within 24 hours of admission if a specialist deems it necessary and prohibits denying treatment or issuing disciplinary penalties based on positive drug tests. The legislation also mandates that facilities maintain the capacity to provide these medications, allows individuals to request treatment at any time, and ensures that current treatment plans are continued or adjusted only based on medical need. By integrating these requirements into state statutes, the bill aims to create consistent access to evidence-based care for incarcerated individuals across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and the Department of Education to conduct a study on pediatric psychiatric hospitals and therapeutic day schools. The study aims to identify how many children in these settings have pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections or pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, using specific clinical criteria and interviewing families who were previously misdiagnosed. The departments must also consult with relevant health councils and experts while reporting their findings by December 31, 2023. Ultimately, the report will be shared with several state committees and health agencies to inform future policy regarding these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Ollie's Law, aims to improve safety standards for dog kennels in Massachusetts by expanding the definition of regulated facilities and mandating new licensing and care requirements. It reclassifies personal kennels to include those with five or more dogs and introduces a new category for "personal breeder kennels," which are defined as operations with three or more intact female dogs kept for breeding and selling puppies. Under the law, all kennels must obtain a license, and the state department is required to create detailed rules covering staff-to-animal ratios, housing conditions, nutrition, and veterinary care. Additionally, the bill mandates that kennels report any injuries to animals or people and requires the department to make investigative reports publicly available online.

April 18, 2024 -- The committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1309) of Mark C. Montigny, Adam Gomez, Jacob R. Oliveira, Jack Patrick Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to increase kennel safety aka Ollie’s Law, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2731).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10-year pilot program in Massachusetts to establish overdose prevention centers where individuals can consume pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained staff. These centers are designed to reduce disease transmission and prevent fatal overdoses by offering sterile supplies, medical monitoring, and immediate first aid. To operate, facilities must provide education on safe practices, refer users to addiction treatment, and maintain secure disposal of used needles while ensuring participant confidentiality. The legislation also includes a provision that protects individuals from arrest or prosecution for drug possession and use within these licensed centers.