Sen. Lydia Edwards

Maddy summaryThis bill allows teachers and public school employees in Massachusetts who joined the retirement system before July 1, 2001, but never chose an alternative retirement plan, to make a one-time election to join that alternative program. To qualify, individuals must have started contributing to the Teachers' Retirement System or the Boston Retirement System on or before that same 2001 date. Those eligible must make their choice between July 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, or before they retire if they apply for benefits earlier. If they choose to participate, they will contribute 11 percent of their salary to the plan and may need to pay back contributions from the time they originally joined the system.

By Representative Giannino of Revere, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2536) of Jessica Ann Giannino and others relative to disability pensions for violent crimes committed against certain public employees. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts unemployment insurance laws to allow the state commissioner to waive recovery of overpayments when the recipient is found to be without fault. It expands the ability to forgive these debts in cases where collecting the money would defeat the purpose of the benefits or be considered unfair. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the state can only offset unemployment overpayments against state or federal tax refunds if the individual was at fault for the error. The bill also requires the department to provide multilingual notices explaining these waiver standards to all affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to allow residents and communities to pay up to 25 percent of the amount needed to redeem property from tax title, rather than requiring the full 25 percent minimum payment. The change applies specifically to Section 62A of Chapter 60, which governs tax redemption processes. By modifying the language to say "up to" instead of a fixed requirement, the legislation provides flexibility for those seeking to resolve tax delinquencies on their parcels.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes telehealth parity for nutrition counseling in Massachusetts, requiring insurance plans to pay the same rate for virtual nutrition services as they do for in-person visits. The legislation applies to various insurance types, including behavioral health plans, health insurance, and hospital service corporations, ensuring that licensed dietitians and nutritionists receive equal reimbursement for remote sessions delivered via video or phone. By mandating equal payment rates, the law aims to make remote nutrition counseling more accessible and financially viable for providers without altering the scope of services covered.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill expands state-mandated health insurance coverage to explicitly include mental health services for individuals after pregnancy, miscarriage, or adoption. The legislation requires that these mental health benefits be provided without any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, ensuring they are fully covered alongside existing postpartum care. By amending multiple sections of state health laws, the act ensures that these protections apply to all covered spouses and dependents across various insurance plans and Medicaid programs. The changes are designed to remove financial barriers and administrative delays, taking effect six months after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to require Medicaid, known as MassHealth, to cover doula services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, including those with specific immigration statuses. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support provided during pregnancy, labor, and up to one year after birth or pregnancy loss. The legislation mandates that the state cover continuous labor support and at least six visits, including two postpartum visits, without needing prior approval. Additionally, the bill establishes a Doula Advisory Committee composed of practicing doulas and community members to oversee program implementation, set training standards, and ensure diverse recruitment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to require Medicaid coverage for tobacco cessation counseling and related information. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who need help quitting tobacco use and the healthcare providers who deliver these services. The key provision expands the definition of covered counseling to include individual, group, and phone sessions offered by a wide range of qualified professionals, such as physicians, dentists, and behavioral health counselors. By ensuring these services are paid for by Medicaid, the legislation aims to increase access to tobacco cessation support for low-income residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a refundable tax credit for Massachusetts residents who provide unpaid care for family members requiring assistance with daily activities like bathing, eating, or moving. To qualify, the caregiver must have an income below $75,000 individually or $150,000 as a couple and spend money on eligible expenses such as home modifications, medical equipment, or hiring professional care services. The credit covers 100% of these costs but is capped at $1,500 per eligible family member to ensure the total benefit does not exceed that maximum amount. If multiple people care for the same individual, the $1,500 limit is shared among them based on how much each person spent. The law also requires the Department of Revenue to review and adjust the credit parameters every five years starting from when it takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis Massachusetts bill requires health insurance plans to cover full spectrum pregnancy care without deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing fees. It applies to most state-regulated plans but allows insurers to charge fees if doing so would cause them to lose their federal tax-exempt status. The legislation also mandates that insurance companies cannot impose unreasonable restrictions or delays on accessing these services. State regulators are tasked with ensuring that all health plans comply with these new coverage requirements.