Sen. Jamie Eldridge

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans sold in Massachusetts to provide clear, standardized information about prescription drug coverage to consumers. It directly affects all health insurance plan members (enrollees) and potential enrollees by mandating that plans: 1) explain what a formulary is and how drugs are included/excluded, 2) post searchable formularies online with real-time updates within 72 hours of changes, and 3) disclose specific cost-sharing details (like co-pays or cost ranges) for each drug. Plans must also list prior authorization rules and show how drugs are covered under deductibles. These requirements apply to all individual and group health plans issued in Massachusetts on or after January 1, 2018.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 380) of Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish statewide targets for addressing persistent disparities in achievement and suspension and expulsion in public schools. Education.

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 376) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to promote the education success of court involved children. Education.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 368) of Adam Gomez, Michael J. Barrett, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the Senate for legislation to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations. Education.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2114) of Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael J. Barrett, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish a jail and prison construction moratorium. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 697) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to insurance coverage and access to nurse-midwifery services. Financial Services.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2099) of James B. Eldridge, Patricia D. Jehlen, Mike Connolly, Erika Uyterhoeven and other members of the General Court for legislation to provide sunlight to state government. Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 936) ensures continuity of mental health treatment for insured individuals when their provider is involuntarily or voluntarily disenrolled from their insurance network (except for quality issues or fraud) or when the insurance company changes. It defines a "continuing course of treatment" as having at least one visit in the past four months for the same or similar mental health condition. The law requires insurance companies to allow patients to continue treatment with that provider through an out-of-network option, paying the usual network reimbursement rate (using the median rate if multiple exist) without adding extra costs or deductibles. Patients cannot be charged more for this option unless the insurance company provides actuarial proof of increased costs, which must be approved by the health department.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 947) requires health insurance plans to cover specific addiction and mental health treatments without preauthorization. It defines "acute treatment," "clinical stabilization," and "co-occurring treatment" services as 24-hour inpatient care for substance use and mental health conditions, with a 14-day maximum coverage limit. The law applies to state employee health plans (Section 1), Medicaid programs (Section 2), and private insurance policies meeting "creditable coverage" standards (Section 3), mandating coverage for these services while requiring facilities to notify insurers within 48 hours of admission. Utilization reviews can begin after day 7 of treatment. The policy change directly affects individuals seeking these treatments through these specific insurance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Massachusetts school safety policies by restricting school resource officers (SROs) to only address serious criminal conduct (like violence or property damage), prohibiting them from handling routine discipline or non-violent disruptions. It requires school districts to annually report detailed data on student interactions with SROs (including arrests and referrals) and budgets for mental health support, with public disclosure of this information. Additionally, the bill creates grants for schools to adopt "holistic school health and safety practices" that avoid law enforcement involvement, such as restorative justice programs and relationship-building initiatives. These changes directly affect all public school districts, charter schools, and regional districts in Massachusetts, aiming to shift safety approaches away from punitive measures.