MA
Massachusetts House Bill H1258
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Menu
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1258

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Requiring coverage of medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivor

Impact

If enacted, the bill would necessitate alterations in the state’s insurance regulations and applicable health coverage plans. It expands the scope of coverage under existing laws, as it adds new requirements for these plans regarding dental care linked to the treatment of head and neck cancer. Beyond improving survivor outcomes, the bill may also lead to increased insurance premiums or changes in health plan offerings as insurance companies adjust to these new mandatories.

Summary

House Bill H1258 aims to mandate insurance coverage for essential dental care related to head and neck cancers. It requires health plans to provide comprehensive coverage for pre-cancer dental treatments, dental care necessary prior to cancer treatment, and post-cancer dental care to ensure overall oral health and aid recovery. This encompasses ameliorative procedures that would help minimize infections or tooth loss stemming from cancer treatment, highlighting the bill's focus on improving the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Contention

Nevertheless, there exists a potential debate centered around the implications of mandating such extensive coverage for dental care in the health insurance sphere. Critics may argue about the financial strains on insurance providers and the risk of elevated premiums impacting policy accessibility. Moreover, determining what constitutes 'medically necessary' in the realm of dental procedures tied to cancer treatments could lead to discussions on the appropriateness of care and potential misuse of benefits.

Companion Bills

MA H4553

Replaced by Requiring coverage of medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivor

Previously Filed As

MA H4553

Requiring coverage of medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivor

MA SF273

Medically necessary dental procedures as a result of cancer treatment health plan coverage requirement provision

MA H1341

Relative to insurance coverage for medically necessary tattoos

MA S2599

Providing insurance coverage for the medically necessary treatment of port-wine stains

MA HF488

Medically necessary dental procedures that are a result of a cancer treatment required to be covered by health plans.

MA S691

Ensuring access to healthcare and medically necessary food for children

MA HCR16

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Requiring Health Insurers To Provide Coverage For Medically Necessary Proton Beam Therapy For Cancer Treatment.

MA SCR51

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Requiring Health Insurers To Provide Coverage For Medically Necessary Proton Beam Therapy For Cancer Treatment.

MA S770

To prevent inappropriate denials by insurers for medically necessary services

MA HB896

Insurance; require health insurance policies to include coverage for medically necessary orthotic and prosthetic devices.

Similar Bills

MA H4553

Requiring coverage of medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivor

CA SB950

Health care coverage: dementia.

TX HB778

Relating to required health benefit plan coverage for gender transition adverse effects and reversals.

NJ S2587

Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

NJ A3099

Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

NJ S3262

Requires health insurers to cover Lyme disease.

NJ A3979

Requires health benefits coverage for treatment of lipedema.

MI HB5044

Health occupations: health professionals; policy for the receipt of medically necessary treatment by pupils; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1178b.