Bill > H1137

This bill strengthens public health protections by establishing a comprehensive framework for managing contagious and infectious diseases in Massachusetts. The legislation empowers the state health commissioner to designate diseases of heightened public health importance and mandates that all health insurance plans, including government programs like Medicaid and state employee health coverage, provide health services related to these diseases without cost sharing (such as co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance) or utilization review restrictions (like prior authorization or step therapy). The commissioner must maintain a public list of designated diseases, review it annually, and notify relevant agencies and institutions when diseases are added or removed. The bill applies to various types of health insurance, including individual and group plans, state employee coverage, and preferred provider organizations. Notably, there is a small exception for plans governed by federal tax law that might lose tax-exempt status if all cost-sharing is eliminated. The provisions become effective 30 days after a disease is designated, and the bill aims to ensure that individuals can access preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services for critical infectious diseases without financial barriers.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1137