Bill > H4957

This bill mandates that various health insurance plans in Massachusetts, including those for state employees, Medicaid recipients, individual and group accident and sickness insurance policies, hospital service plans, medical service agreements, and health maintenance contracts, must cover pain management methods during the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). These pain control methods can include intravenous sedation, oral sedation, nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, or topical anesthesia, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Importantly, this coverage cannot be subject to deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or other out-of-pocket costs, except as allowed by federal law or specific exceptions outlined in the bill. The bill also specifies that reasonable medical management techniques can be applied within a category of pain control methods, but not across different types of methods. While most provisions apply broadly, there are exemptions for health insurance plans purchased by churches or qualified church-controlled organizations, provided they give prior written notice to enrollees about any refused services due to religious reasons. The bill aims to ensure that individuals seeking IUD insertion have access to necessary pain relief without financial barriers.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Financial Services (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4957