Bill > S1757

This bill aims to eliminate medical and health service fees for incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts by making several key changes to existing law. Specifically, the bill removes the ability of the Department of Correction commissioner to charge inmates for medical and mental health services, including inmate-initiated visits, prescriptions, medications, and prosthetic devices. It also introduces a provision that prohibits charging fees for durable medical equipment and medical supplies that are medically necessary, with detailed definitions of these terms. The bill defines durable medical equipment as items prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider that are reusable, serve a medical purpose, and are not typically useful without a specific medical condition, such as eyeglasses, dentures, artificial limbs, and hearing aids. Similarly, medical supplies are defined as disposable items prescribed by a licensed provider to meet specific medical needs. The legislation mandates that the Department of Correction implement these changes within one year of the bill's passage, effectively ensuring that incarcerated individuals will no longer have to pay for essential medical and health services.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1757