Relative to the safety of autistic and alzheimer individuals
If enacted, this bill would amend Chapter 118E of the General Laws of Massachusetts, which pertains to health insurance and benefits. By mandating coverage for these tracking devices, HB980 could significantly improve the safety and peace of mind for families of individuals with autism and Alzheimer's. This bill aims to mitigate risks associated with wandering, which is a common concern among caregivers of individuals with these conditions. Consequently, it may lead to further discussions and scrutiny regarding insurance policies and coverage scopes for similar assistive technologies.
House Bill 980 seeks to enhance the safety of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Alzheimer's disease by ensuring they have access to Technology-Assisted Tracking Devices. The bill mandates that health benefit plans provide full coverage for such devices, which can help caregivers and guardians in monitoring their charges' whereabouts, thus improving overall safety. The proposed tracking devices must meet specific technical and safety standards, ensuring reliability even in challenging environments.
While the bill primarily focuses on safety, it may face contention regarding the responsibility of insurance companies in providing coverage for technological devices. Debates might arise over the costs associated with these tracking devices, potential resistance from insurance providers, and whether such mandates could pave the way for further regulatory requirements on health plans. Additionally, concerns may be raised about technological dependency and privacy issues surrounding tracking individuals, which could provoke discussions on ethics in patient monitoring.