Bill > H1173

This bill aims to expand access to healthcare services by introducing patient navigation services through community health workers. Specifically, the bill defines a community health worker as a frontline professional who serves as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and community members to facilitate access to health-related services. Patient navigation services include a comprehensive range of support activities such as screening for chronic diseases, addressing social needs, providing health education, offering health coaching and advocacy, helping patients overcome cultural barriers to understanding treatment, and assisting with diagnosis-related patient education. The bill requires the division of Medicaid and its contracted health insurers to provide coverage for these patient navigation services for individuals eligible for screening, follow-up, or treatment services. Reimbursement will be available for individuals who have completed a national patient navigation certification or a training program approved by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The provisions of this bill will apply to all healthcare contracts entered into, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2026, with the goal of improving healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for underserved or vulnerable populations.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1173