Bill > H1308

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to provide expanded Medicaid coverage for voluntary female sterilization and establish additional protections for individuals seeking the procedure. The bill defines key terms such as "Decision Counseling" (a counseling model to ensure patients fully understand sterilization's effects), "informed written consent" (a written consent form for the procedure), and "Voluntary Female Sterilization" (a medical procedure to permanently prevent reproduction). Specifically, the bill requires Medicaid-related entities, including health insurers, health plans, and managed care organizations, to provide coverage for voluntary female sterilization even if the standard 30-day waiting period has not been completed, provided that the individual has undergone Decision Counseling and signed an informed written consent. Additionally, the bill prohibits sterilization of individuals 18 years or older who are deemed unable to provide informed consent, such as those in state institutions or under guardianship, as a protective measure to ensure patient autonomy and prevent potential coercion or misunderstanding about the permanent nature of the procedure.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1308