Sen. Jamie Eldridge

Maddy summaryHD 1353 increases monthly benefits for low-income households receiving state assistance programs. It mandates a 20% annual benefit increase starting July 1, 2025, until payments reach 50% of the federal poverty level for each household size. Once this target is met, benefits will automatically adjust each July to maintain at least 50% of the federal poverty level. The bill also includes adjustments for clothing allowances and rental costs for eligible households. This directly affects low-income families relying on these state assistance programs.

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1562) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Jason M. Lewis and John F. Keenan for legislation to support survivors of violence through financial assistance. Public Health.

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 765) of Adam Gomez for legislation to establish a Massachusetts foreclosure prevention program. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 375) requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover specific addiction treatment services without preauthorization. It defines "transitional support services" (short-term residential care after stabilization) and mandates coverage for up to 30 days of acute treatment, clinical stabilization, and transitional support services for: 1) Active or retired Commonwealth employees with group insurance, and 2) All insured individuals under Medicaid and general health plans. Facilities must notify insurers within 48 hours of admission and provide discharge plans, with utilization reviews allowed only after 14 days (and not restricting future care unless 30+ consecutive days are provided). Medical necessity is determined by the treating clinician, not insurers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require health insurers and coverage plans to cover three specific addiction and mental health treatment services without preauthorization: acute treatment (24-hour medically supervised addiction care), clinical stabilization (post-detox recovery support), and co-occurring treatment (inpatient psychiatric care for dual diagnosis). It applies to Commonwealth employees' insurance (Chapter 32A), Medicaid plans (Chapter 118E), and all "creditable coverage" health insurance policies (Chapter 175). Coverage is limited to 14 days for clinical stabilization and co-occurring services, with facilities required to notify insurers within 48 hours of admission and allow utilization review starting on day 7. Medical necessity is determined by the treating clinician, not insurers.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1588) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to chemicals in food packaging. Public Health.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1629) of Bruce E. Tarr and Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to the larceny that violates graves, cemeteries and burial grounds.. Public Health.

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1387) of John J. Cronin, Steven George Xiarhos, Bruce E. Tarr and John F. Keenan relative to authorizing physician assistants to issue psychiatric holds and ensure adequate training on their use. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Maddy summaryHD 2988 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover post-pregnancy mental health care - encompassing both postpartum and post-miscarriage care - without any deductibles, copayments, or cost-sharing. It applies directly to insured individuals and their covered spouses or dependents, ensuring equal access to this care as part of existing postpartum coverage requirements. The bill mandates that insurers provide this coverage without unreasonable delays or restrictions, aligning with existing health care laws. These changes apply to multiple sections of Massachusetts General Laws governing health insurance plans and Medicaid.

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 753) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to enhance homebuyer awareness by providing notice to persons purchasing property in a flood zone. Financial Services.