Bill > H188

This bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws to establish guardians as providers of medical care for incapacitated persons eligible for Medicaid (referred to as "members"). The key provisions include: 1. Defining "provider" to include guardians duly appointed under state law who are engaged in activities related to consenting to or gaining access to medical care for the member, as long as the guardian is not an immediate family member. 2. Requiring the Secretary of the Executive Office to establish reasonable and adequate payment rates for guardians providing medical services, considering factors such as regional rates for professional guardians and cost-of-living differences. 3. Specifying that guardian claims for medical services under Medicaid must be disclosed to the appointing court as part of the guardian's annual report, but prior or subsequent court approval is not required for Medicaid reimbursement. 4. Allowing guardians to indicate their intent to participate in Medicaid only once every 12 months, rather than more frequently. The overall goal is to support the rights of incapacitated persons by ensuring guardians can effectively access and consent to necessary medical care on their behalf while receiving appropriate Medicaid reimbursement.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H188