SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1758        FILED ON: 1/14/2009

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 538

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act To Study Disparities In Health Care Resulting From Changes In Marital Status..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy is hereby directed and authorized to conduct a comprehensive study to investigate disparities in the provision of health care coverage to individuals and/or their spouses when there is a change in marital status.  Said study shall include, but not be limited to, the identification and review of said disparities in both insured and self-insured plans, as well as recommendations for alleviating disparities.  The Division shall provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit relevant testimony.  The Division shall file a report of its study, including recommendations and drafts of any legislation, if necessary, with the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives within one year of the effective date of this act.