Bill > H5022

This bill aims to improve patient access to healthcare services by preventing insurance carriers from denying payment for covered services simply because a patient was referred by a healthcare provider who is not part of the carrier's approved network of doctors and facilities. This change is being applied across various Massachusetts General Laws related to health insurance, including those governing state employee health plans (Chapter 32A), municipal employee health plans (Chapter 32B), and various types of insurance policies and health plans (Chapters 175, 176A, 176B, 176G, and 176I). Additionally, the bill modifies regulations concerning controlled substances under Chapter 94C, clarifying that practitioners can dispense controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes and removing outdated language about dispensing only the amount immediately needed. The provisions related to network referrals will take effect one year after the bill's enactment for new, renewed, or amended contracts.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Financial Services (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5022