Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.
Impact
The enactment of H6158 will have significant implications on existing insurance policies within the state. It amends several chapters of the General Laws about Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies, Nonprofit Hospital Service Corporations, and Health Maintenance Organizations by introducing mandatory coverage for scalp cooling. This reflects an evolving conversation about the role of healthcare coverage in supporting cancer patients beyond traditional treatment approaches, emphasizing a holistic view of patient care that factor in psychological impacts of treatment.
Summary
House Bill H6158 pertains to insurance policies related to health care, specifically focusing on ensuring coverage for scalp cooling systems for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. This bill mandates that all individual or group hospital or medical expense insurance policies, as well as hospital or medical services plan contracts, provide coverage for scalp cooling technologies beginning January 1, 2026. The aim of this legislation is to mitigate one of the more distressing side effects of chemotherapy - hair loss - and to improve the overall quality of life for patients during their treatment.
Contention
Although the bill presents benefits to those affected by breast cancer, there may be some contention regarding its implementation. The exclusions outlined in the legislation – which specify that coverage for scalp cooling systems does not apply to various other types of insurance policies, including long-term care and Medicare supplements – may raise questions. Advocates may argue that the bill should extend to cover more comprehensive scenarios, while opponents may cite concerns about the potential financial burden this could impose on insurance providers. Additionally, the debate may center around the question of whether covering scalp cooling is essential in the context of overall cancer care or if it represents an overextension of insurance benefits.
Mandates all insurance plans provide insurance coverage for diagnosing and treating infertility for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Outlines the insurance coverage standards, protocols and guidelines for medically necessary treatment of individuals with mental health or substance abuse use disorders.
Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.
Requires health insurance coverage of scalp cooling systems in connection with cancer chemotherapy treatment; requires physicians to inform patients of scalp cooling therapy.