Bill > S761

This bill aims to expand and clarify pregnancy care coverage across various Massachusetts health insurance regulations by making several key modifications. The bill broadens the definition of midwifery professionals to include both licensed midwives and licensed certified professional midwives in multiple sections of state law covering different types of health insurance plans, including state employee health plans, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans. Importantly, the bill removes specific language restricting coverage "for abortion or abortion-related care," which suggests an intent to ensure more comprehensive pregnancy and reproductive healthcare coverage. The bill also adds provisions requiring different state commissions and administrators (such as the commission for state employee insurance and health insurance commissioners) to actively ensure that health plans comply with these updated regulations. The changes will apply to health insurance policies, contracts, and certificates that are delivered, issued, or renewed six months after the act's effective date, giving insurers time to update their policies to align with the new requirements.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S761