Bill > S692

This bill amends Massachusetts law to establish a comprehensive framework for patient navigation services, primarily focusing on expanding access to healthcare for underserved populations. The legislation defines a "community health worker" as a frontline professional who bridges gaps between patients, healthcare providers, and social services, with a specific mission of facilitating access to health-related services. Patient navigation services, as defined in the bill, encompass a wide range of support activities including disease prevention and screening, social needs assessments, health education, health coaching, cultural barrier navigation, and patient support during medical treatment. The bill mandates that the state's Medicaid division and its contracted health insurers provide coverage for these patient navigation services for eligible individuals, and requires reimbursement for workers who have completed a national patient navigation certification or an approved training program. Notably, the bill will apply to all healthcare contracts entered into, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2026, and requires the Office of Medicaid to develop implementing regulations. The ultimate goal is to improve healthcare access, particularly for populations facing socioeconomic, cultural, or linguistic barriers to receiving comprehensive medical care.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S692