Bill > S595

This bill aims to strengthen the control of contagious and infectious diseases in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. The Commissioner of Public Health is authorized to designate certain contagious and infectious diseases as being of heightened public health importance. 2. For any diseases designated as such, insurance plans, health coverage, and medical assistance programs are prohibited from charging cost-sharing (e.g., co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles) or requiring utilization review (e.g., prior authorization) for related healthcare services. 3. The Commissioner must notify relevant state agencies and insurance entities of the designated diseases, and take steps to inform healthcare providers and the public. 4. The list of designated diseases must be reviewed and updated at least annually. 5. These requirements apply to the Group Insurance Commission, MassHealth (the state Medicaid program), as well as individual and group health insurance plans regulated by the state. The overall goal is to ensure access to essential preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services for high-priority contagious and infectious diseases without financial or administrative barriers for individuals seeking care.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S595