CorVel is a national provider of industry leading workers’ compensation solutions to Massachusetts payors. Incidents and injuries can be reported to our 24/7 call center, to the online claims system or via mobile apps. Reports are immediately processed by our proprietary rules engine where medical management begins immediately as needed, and the claim is assigned to a Claims Adjuster within one business day or less of initial receipt.
Our comprehensive return to work program ensures collaboration and communication with all interested parties including the injured worker, employer, human resources, medical and safety teams, and healthcare providers. We use technology, compassionate case management for employees and cost containment measures, to give Massachusetts employers a superior program.
As a service to our clients, CorVel is providing links to information related to the COVID-19 pandemic provided by the states.
Legislature Status: No suspension or postponement of the legislative session has been announced.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health coronavirus resource page.
- April 14, 2020 – The Governor’s Administration announced the expansion of COVID-19 response reporting to include statewide hospital capacity and PPE distribution data.
- April 13, 2020 – The Governor announced a new initiative and over $10 million in funding to support manufacturers’ efforts to pivot production operations to produce personal protective equipment and other critical devices, such as ventilators, sanitizers, and thermometers. The Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (M-ERT) is a coordinated response by the Governor’s Administration and leading academic and industry stakeholders to support the Commonwealth’s manufacturers in their efforts to produce much-needed supplies for front-line workers and the health care system.
- April 11, 2020 – The Governor authorized the activation of an additional 3,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard in anticipation of the expected peak in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.
Legislation
- HB 4502 Appropriates $95,000 for the Executive Office of Education to contain, treat and prevent the coronavirus. This bill requires a report to the legislature by June 1, 2020, with recommendations if additional funds and action are needed. Enacted.
- HB 4561 Makes appropriations for the fiscal year 2020 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for other activities and projects. Includes a reserve of $15,000,000 to support the commonwealth’s monitoring, treatment, containment, public awareness and prevention efforts against COVID-19. Enacted.
- HB 4571 An Act Designating September 14, 2020 as a Legal Holiday in order to facilitate the postponement of the Boston Marathon amidst the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. Pending.
- HB 4580 Addresses challenges in town governance resulting from COVID-19. Pending.
- HB 4586 Addresses challenges faced by municipalities, school districts and state authorities resulting from COVID-19. Pending.
- HB 4593 Facilitates the delay of income tax filing deadline. Pending.
- HB 4598 Addresses challenges faced by municipalities and state authorities resulting from COVID-19 related to town meetings, annual budgets, deficit amortization, local permits, the authority of the chief executive officer of a city or town, the temporary employment of a former or retired employee, and to allow certain licensed establishments to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. Enacted.
- HB 4611 Relative to creating a presumption of job relatedness for certain public safety personnel and first responders suffering from incapacitation or inability to perform their duties as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection or exposure. Pending.
- HB 4615 Provides for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the coronavirus Emergency. Pending.
- HB 4616 Addresses challenges faced by municipalities, school districts and state authorities resulting from COVID-19 related to supportive housing, collection of taxes and fees, high school graduation, standardized testing, school budgets and 3-year plans. Enacted.
- HB 4622 Relates to relief payments for recipients of the transitional aid to families with dependent children and emergency aid to the elderly, disabled and children programs within the Department of Transitional Assistance. Pending.
- HB 4625 Expands unemployment insurance benefits to certain employees due to the COVID-19 emergency declaration. Pending.
- HB 4626 Appropriates funds to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for emergency funding for certain homeless services. Pending.
- HB 4627 Relates to providing certain state employees sick leave for Coronavirus disease related absences. Pending.
- HB 4631 Relative to state employees performing core function during the Massachusetts state emergency related to COVID-19 emergency declaration. Pending.
- HB 4634 Relates to financial assistance, health care access and small business grants in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Pending.
- HB 4635 Relates to the reporting of coronavirus positive cases and mortalities in long term care facilities and elder housing. Pending.
- S. 2599 Authorizes unemployment assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. Enacted.
- SB 2602 Provides any public safety official and 1st responder, who contracts, has symptoms of, or otherwise becomes affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), that results in a period of hospitalization, quarantine, or require self-quarantined measures as a result of being infected or coming into contact with someone who is infected with this virus, shall have their medical condition or incapacity to work presumed to be work-related. Public safety official shall not be required to use sick time, vacation time, or personal time to cover said period of incapacitation or inability to perform regular duty work. Pending.
- SB 2608 Grants the authority to postpone 2020 municipal elections in the commonwealth and increase voting options in response to the declaration of emergency to respond to COVID-19. Enacted.
- SB 2618 An Act providing additional support to those affected by the novel coronavirus through the unemployment insurance system. Pending.
- SB 2621 An Act providing temporary protections for renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 emergency. Pending.
- SB 2598 Authorizes the director of unemployment assistance to waive the one-week waiting period for any person making a claim for unemployment benefits related to the outbreak of COVID-19 or the effects of the declaration of a state of emergency. Pending.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 2/6/2023
HD 88 – An Act Providing Worker Compensation Protection to Emergency Response and Medical Personnel Related to Covid-19 Infection Chapter 152 of the General Laws Is Hereby Amended By Inserting After Section 7G the Following Section: Section 7H: In any Claim For Compensation Where the Employee Has Been …
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure provides workers’ compensation protection to emergency response and medical personnel for COVID-19 diagnoses. This measure takes effect 90 days after enacted.
Most Recent Update:
1/9/2023 This docket has been filed for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits formal introduction and referral to committee.
HD 89 – An Act to Modify Weekly Workers’ Compensation Disability Benefits Section 1. Section 34 of Chapter 152 of the General Laws, As Appearing In the 2016 Official Edition, Is Hereby Amended By Striking Out, In Line 3, the Word “Sixty” and Inserting …
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure increases rate and length of workers’ compensation awards. It increases from 60% to 66% of weekly wage for total incapacitation, from 66% to 70% for permanent total incapacity, and from 260 to 520 weeks for partial incapacity.
Most Recent Update:
1/9/2023 This docket has been filed for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits formal introduction and referral to committee.
HD 90 – An Act Relative to Fairness In Worker’s Compensation Disfigurement Benefits Section 36(K) of Chapter 152 of the General Laws, As Appearing In the 2014 Official Edition, Is Hereby Amended By Striking Out, In Line 3, the Words “Fifteen Thousand Dollars” and …
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure removes the restriction on workers compensation awards for purely-scar based injuries. It also replaces the cap on bodily disfigurement awards, from $15,000 to 30 times the average weekly wage in the state.
Most Recent Update:
1/9/2023 This docket has been filed for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits formal introduction and referral to committee.
HD 91 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Disfigurement Benefits Concerning Scarring Section 36 of Chapter 152 of the General Laws, As Appearing In the 2016 Official Edition, Is Hereby Amended By Striking Out the Words “Or Hands”, In Line 82, and Inserting In …
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure relates to workers’ compensation disfigurement benefits concerning scarring. This measure applies to workers’ compensation. An employee is owed worker’s compensation for disfigurement that is purely scarred distally on the hands up to the elbows or distally to the knees. This measure takes effect 90 days following adjournment if passed.
Most Recent Update:
1/9/2023 This docket has been filed for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits formal introduction and referral to committee.
HD 258 – An Act Relative to Worker Compensation Protections For Certified Medical Cannabis Patients And Their Caregivers Section 1. Section 6 of Chapter 94I of the General Laws Is Hereby Amended By Deleting After the Existing Text “This Chapter Shall Not: (I)” the Following Text:- “Require any …
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure requires workers’ compensation insurers to reimburse individuals who use medical cannabis to treat work-related injuries, when determined to be reasonable and necessary. This measure takes effect 90 days after enacted.
Most Recent Update:
01/12/2023 This docket has been filed for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits formal introduction and referral to committee.
SD 1089 – An Act Relative to Fairness In Workers’ Compensation Disfigurement Benefits Section 36(K) of Chapter 152 of the General Laws, As Appearing In the 2020 Official Edition, Is Hereby Amended By Striking Out the Following Words “Fifteen Thousand Dollars” and …
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure removes the restriction on workers compensation awards for purely-scar based injuries. It also replaces the cap on bodily disfigurement awards, from $15,000 to 30 times the average weekly wage in the state.
Most Recent Update:
01/18/2023 This docket has been filed for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits formal introduction and referral to committee.
SD 1227 – An Act to Protect Injured Workers Section 1. Section 3 of Chapter 23E of the General Laws, As Appearing In the 2020 Official Edition, Is Hereby Amended By Inserting, In Line 46, After the Word “Claims” the …
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends various provisions related to workers’ rights in cases of on-the-job injury.
Most Recent Update:
01/19/2023 This docket has been filed for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits formal introduction and referral to committee.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 2/3/2022
HB 1991 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Disfigurement Benefits
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends section 36(k) of chapter 152 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, by striking out, in line 3, the words “fifteen thousand dollars” and inserting in place thereof the following words: 30 times the average weekly wage in the Commonwealth as determined pursuant to subsection (a) of section 29 of chapter 151A and by striking out in lines 4-6 the words “No amount shall be payable under this section for disfigurement that is purely scar-based, unless such disfigurement is on the face, neck or hands.”
Most Recent Update:
1/21/2022 This measure was heard on January 21 in the Joint Committee on Revenue chaired by Senator Adam Hinds (D) and Representative Mark Cusack (D). No action was reported from the hearing. This measure is eligible for further consideration in the committee of referral.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 11/5/2021
HB 1990 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Disfigurement Benefits Concerning Scarring
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends section 36 of chapter 152 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, by striking out the words “or hands”, in line 82, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- ,distally to the elbows, or distally to the knees.
Most Recent Update:
9/28/2021 This measure has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Labor and Workforce Development Committee, co-chaired by Senator Patricia Jehlen (D) and Representative Josh Cutler (D) on September 28. The Capitol is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19. The hearing will be livestreamed and testimony may be submitted virtually. In Massachusetts, measures are not officially passed from committee until the committee holds an executive session to issue its report on the measure.
HB 1991 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Disfigurement Benefits
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends section 36(k) of chapter 152 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, by striking out, in line 3, the words “fifteen thousand dollars” and inserting in place thereof the following words: 30 times the average weekly wage in the Commonwealth as determined pursuant to subsection (a) of section 29 of chapter 151A and by striking out in lines 4-6 the words “No amount shall be payable under this section for disfigurement that is purely scar-based, unless such disfigurement is on the face, neck or hands.”
Most Recent Update:
9/28/2021 This measure has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Labor and Workforce Development Committee, co-chaired by Senator Patricia Jehlen (D) and Representative Josh Cutler (D) on September 28. The Capitol is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19. The hearing will be livestreamed and testimony may be submitted virtually. In Massachusetts, measures are not officially passed from committee until the committee holds an executive session to issue its report on the measure.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 9/1/2021
HB 1663 – An Act Relative to Disability or Death Caused By Infectious Diseases, Presumption
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure relates to disability or death caused by infectious diseases. This measure establishes that any contagious disease resulting in disability or death to a full-time uniformed member of a paid police department, fire department, or municipal emergency medical service will be presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty. This measure will only apply if the disabling or fatal condition is a type of contagious disease that may result from exposure to blood and other bodily fluids of the sick. This measure also establishes that any person first discovering a condition within five years of their last day of work will be eligible to apply for benefits, and such benefits will be payable as of the date on which the employee last received regular compensation. The provisions of this measure also apply to any condition of COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, or C, Tuberculosis, HIV, and any other contagious disease found to have a statistically significant correlation with police, fire, or emergency medical service.
Most Recent Update:
7/21/2021 This measure was heard in the Joint Public Service Committee, co-chaired by Senator Michael Brady (D) and Representative Kenneth Gordon (D) on June 21. No action was reported. This measure awaits further consideration in the committee of referral at the discretion of the chair.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 6/3/2021
HB 1945 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure relates to worker’s compensation insurance. This measure establishes that, in any claim for compensation by an employee, no photograph or video of the claimant or their family will be admissible in evidence if it was obtained without the claimant’s written consent. This measure also establishes that an insurer may make timely payments for a period of 180 days from the commencement of disability and may not terminate or modify payments within those days without an order of an arbitrator or judge. Failure to make payments within 14 days of the insurer’s receipt will result in a penalty of $200 dollars, within 45 days will result in a penalty of $1,000, within 60 days will result in a penalty of $2,500, and within 90 days will result in a penalty of $10,000. This measure also eliminates the role of conciliators and impartial medical examiners in the claims process and requires that insurers furnish injured employees with physical therapy.
Most Recent Update:
3/29/2021 This measure was introduced, converted from HD 1279, and referred to the Joint Labor and Workforce Development Committee, co-chaired by Senator Patricia Jehlen (D) and Representative Josh Cutler (D). This measure is eligible for consideration at the discretion of the chairs.
HB 1990 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Disfigurement Benefits Concerning Scarring
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends section 36 of chapter 152 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, by striking out the words “or hands”, in line 82, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- ,distally to the elbows, or distally to the knees.
Most Recent Update:
3/29/2021 This measure was introduced, converted from HD 2886, and referred to the Joint Labor and Workforce Development Committee, co-chaired by Senator Patricia Jehlen (D) and Representative Josh Cutler (D). This measure is eligible for consideration at the discretion of the chairs.
HB 1991 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Disfigurement Benefits
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure amends section 36(k) of chapter 152 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, by striking out, in line 3, the words “fifteen thousand dollars” and inserting in place thereof the following words: 30 times the average weekly wage in the Commonwealth as determined pursuant to subsection (a) of section 29 of chapter 151A and by striking out in lines 4-6 the words “No amount shall be payable under this section for disfigurement that is purely scar-based, unless such disfigurement is on the face, neck or hands.”
Most Recent Update:
3/29/2021 This measure was introduced, converted from HD 2887, and referred to the Joint Labor and Workforce Development Committee, co-chaired by Senator Patricia Jehlen (D) and Representative Josh Cutler (D). This measure is eligible for consideration at the discretion of the chairs.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 4/2/2021
HD 1279 – An Act Relative to Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage and Reimbursement), Workers’ Compensation (General)
Summary:
This measure relates to worker’s compensation insurance. This measure establishes that, in any claim for compensation by an employee, no photograph or video of the claimant or their family will be admissible in evidence if it was obtained without the claimant’s written consent. This measure also establishes that an insurer may make timely payments for a period of 180 days from the commencement of disability and may not terminate or modify payments within those days without an order of an arbitrator or judge. Failure to make payments within 14 days of the insurer’s receipt will result in a penalty of $200 dollars, within 45 days will result in a penalty of $1,000, within 60 days will result in a penalty of $2,500, and within 90 days will result in a penalty of $10,000.
Most Recent Update:
2/4/2021 This measure was filed for possible consideration in the House. Upon formal introduction, this measure will be renumbered and referred to a committee for consideration.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 08/01/2019
HB 3800 – An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2020 for the Maintenance of the Departments, Boards, Commissions, Institutions and Certain Activities of the Commonwealth, for the Interest, Sinking Fund and Serial Bond Requirements and for Certain Permanent Improvements.
Issues: Dental Coverage, Managed Care, Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Scope Of Practice (Vision Services), Medicaid Managed Care, Behavioral Health Coverage, Network Adequacy, Provider Contracts
Summary:
This measure was amended into scope on April 10. This measure contains provisions related to dental coverage.
This measure allows the executive office of health and human services to determine, subject to required federal approval, the extent to which to include within its covered services for adults the federally-optional dental services that were included in the state plan or demonstration program.
Failed Amendment #147:
This amendment failed to pass on April 23 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “D”.
This amendment establishes a MassHealth Control Board and sets forth its powers and duties, which include initiating and assuring the implementation of ‘appropriate measures’ to secure the fiscal, operational and managerial stability of MassHealth.
Failed Amendment #247:
Direct Care Worker Compensation
This amendment failed to pass on April 25 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “H”.
This amendment changes the terms of payments made to private human service providers that deliver human and social services under contract with the executive office of health and human services and the executive office of elder affairs, by requiring any recipient to use at least 75 percent of received funds to increase the hourly rate of all of its employees to at least twenty dollars per hour; implements reporting requirements and allows for case specific modifications.
Withdrawn Amendment #593:
Treatment of Glaucoma
This amendment was withdrawn from consideration.
This amendment authorizes licensed optometrists to treat glaucoma and ocular abnormalities with prescription medications; sets restrictions on the use of pharmaceuticals for systemic diseases, invasive surgical procedures, or opioids; directs the Board of Registry in Optometry to articulate educational requirements and award certification upon completion; directs the board and DPH to promulgate regulations with 90 days.
Failed Amendment #671:
Urgent Care Access for MassHealth Enrollees
This amendment failed to pass on April 23 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “D”.
This amendment prohibits the division of medical assistance, health insurers, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization or primary care clinician plan from requiring enrollees to obtain primary care physician referrals prior to obtaining health care services from an urgent care facility; requires urgent care facilities to notify enrollee primary care physicians of any care delivered, or if none exists, provide the enrollee with the names of primary care physicians in their
municipality who are contracted with MassHealth.
Withdrawn Amendment #817:
Limits on insurers’ retroactive clawbacks for mental health and substance use disorder services
This measure was withdrawn from consideration.
This amendment limits the ability of entities that provide behavioral health benefits to impose retroactive claims denials for behavioral health services; requires denials within 12 months of the submission of the claim to include a written explanation and a description of additional information required for payment; allows denial of claims after 12 months in cases of fraud, adjustments to reflect payments from additional providers, pending legal action, previously paid claims, or incorrect provider information; regulates notice in cases of retroactive claims denials.
Failed Amendment #1176:
Improving Hepatitis C screening
This amendment failed to pass on April 24 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “G”.
This amendment repeals language requiring primary care providers to offer hepatitis C screening tests to persons born between 1945 and 1965, and instead requires them to be offered to anyone over the age of 18 unless an exception applies; directs the department of public health to revise regulations expanding use of the hepatitis C screening or hepatitis C diagnostic test requirements from time to time.
Failed Amendment #795:
Limited and Tiered Network
This amendment failed to pass on April 23 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “D”.
This amendment makes changes to provisions regulating reduced or selective network plans and tiered network plans, by allowing the Commissioner of Insurance to exempt carriers from compliance with the base premium rate discount when a carrier’s small group health insurance membership is from a single rate region, a majority of the small group health insurance membership is enrolled in subsidized coverage through the health insurance connector, or a carrier receives 80% or more of its income from government programs.
Most Recent Update: This measure was approved by the House as amended on April 25 by a vote of 154-1. This measure was amended on April 22, April 23, April 24 and April 25. The House considered multiple amendments as part of groups of amendments on a similar topic and subsequently approved consolidated amendments as well as individual amendments. An engrossed version of this measure is contained in HB 3801.
HB 3801 will be the vehicle for further consideration of this measure.
Massachusetts Regulatory Updates 01/02/2019
HB 3800 – An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2020 for the Maintenance of the Departments, Boards, Commissions, Institutions and Certain Activities of the Commonwealth, for the Interest, Sinking Fund and Serial Bond Requirements and for Certain Permanent Improvements.
Issues: Dental Coverage, Managed Care, Workers’ Compensation (Medical Coverage And Reimbursement), Scope Of Practice (Vision Services), Medicaid Managed Care, Behavioral Health Coverage, Network Adequacy, Provider Contracts
Summary:
This measure was amended into scope on April 10. This measure contains provisions related to dental coverage.
This measure allows the executive office of health and human services to determine, subject to required federal approval, the extent to which to include within its covered services for adults the federally-optional dental services that were included in the state plan or demonstration program. (Page 285)
Failed Amendment #147:
This amendment failed to pass on April 23 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “D”.
This amendment establishes a MassHealth Control Board and sets forth its powers and duties, which include initiating and assuring the implementation of ‘appropriate measures’ to secure the fiscal, operational and managerial stability of MassHealth.
Link: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/GetAmendmentContent/191/H3800/147/House/Preview
Failed Amendment #247:
Direct Care Worker Compensation
This amendment failed to pass on April 25 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “H”.
This amendment changes the terms of payments made to private human service providers that deliver human and social services under contract with the executive office of health and human services and the executive office of elder affairs, by requiring any recipient to use at least 75 percent of received funds to increase the hourly rate of all of its employees to at least twenty dollars per hour; implements reporting requirements and allows for case specific modifications.
Link: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/GetAmendmentContent/191/H3800/247/House/Preview
Withdrawn Amendment #593:
Treatment of Glaucoma
This amendment was withdrawn from consideration.
This amendment authorizes licensed optometrists to treat glaucoma and ocular abnormalities with prescription medications; sets restrictions on the use of pharmaceuticals for systemic diseases, invasive surgical procedures, or opioids; directs the Board of Registry in Optometry to articulate educational requirements and award certification upon completion; directs the board and DPH to promulgate regulations with 90 days.
Proposed Amendment: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/GetAmendmentContent/191/H3800/593/House/Preview
Failed Amendment #671:
Urgent Care Access for MassHealth Enrollees
This amendment failed to pass on April 23 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “D”.
This amendment prohibits the division of medical assistance, health insurers, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization or primary care clinician plan from requiring enrollees to obtain primary care physician referrals prior to obtaining health care services from an urgent care facility; requires urgent care facilities to notify enrollee primary care physicians of any care delivered, or if none exists, provide the enrollee with the names of primary care physicians in their municipality who are contracted with MassHealth.
Link: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/GetAmendmentContent/191/H3800/671/House/Preview
Withdrawn Amendment #817:
Limits on insurers’ retroactive clawbacks for mental health and substance use disorder services
This measure was withdrawn from consideration.
This amendment limits the ability of entities that provide behavioral health benefits to impose retroactive claims denials for behavioral health services; requires denials within 12 months of the submission of the claim to include a written explanation and a description of additional information required for payment; allows denial of claims after 12 months in cases of fraud, adjustments to reflect payments from additional providers, pending legal action, previously paid claims, or incorrect provider information; regulates notice in cases of retroactive claims denials.
Link: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/GetAmendmentContent/191/H3800/817/House/Preview
Failed Amendment #1176:
Improving Hepatitis C screening
This amendment failed to pass on April 24 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “G”.
This amendment repeals language requiring primary care providers to offer hepatitis C screening tests to persons born between 1945 and 1965, and instead requires them to be offered to anyone over the age of 18 unless an exception applies; directs the department of public health to revise regulations expanding use of the hepatitis C screening or hepatitis C diagnostic test requirements from time to time.
Link: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/GetAmendmentContent/191/H3800/1176/House/Content
Failed Amendment #795:
Limited and Tiered Network
This amendment failed to pass on April 23 and was not incorporated into Consolidated Amendment “D”.
This amendment makes changes to provisions regulating reduced or selective network plans and tiered network plans, by allowing the Commissioner of Insurance to exempt carriers from compliance with the base premium rate discount when a carrier’s small group health insurance membership is from a single rate region, a majority of the small group health insurance membership is enrolled in subsidized coverage through the health insurance connector, or a carrier receives 80% or more of its income from government programs.
Link: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/GetAmendmentContent/191/H3800/795/House/Preview
Most Recent Update:
This measure was approved by the House as amended on April 25 by a vote of 154-1. This measure was amended on April 22, April 23, April 24 and April 25. The House considered multiple amendments as part of groups of amendments on a similar topic and subsequently approved consolidated amendments as well as individual amendments. An engrossed version of this measure is contained in HB 3801.
HB 3801 will be the vehicle for further consideration of this measure.
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