SECTION 1. Chapter 32A of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
Section 29. The commission shall provide to any active or retired employee of the commonwealth who is insured under the group insurance commission coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services. For purposes of this section, “Down syndrome” means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
SECTION 2. Chapter 118E of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 10L the following section:-
Section 10M. The division and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization or primary care clinician plan shall provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services. For purposes of this section, “Down Syndrome” means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
SECTION 3. Chapter 175 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 47KK the following section:-
Section 47LL. Any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance issued, delivered or renewed within the commonwealth, which is considered creditable coverage under section 1 of chapter 111M, shall provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services. For purposes of this section, “Down syndrome” means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
SECTION 4. Chapter 176A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 8MM the following section:-
Section 8NN. Any contract between a subscriber and the corporation under an individual or group hospital service plan that is delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services. For purposes of this section, “Down syndrome” means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
SECTION 5. Chapter 176B of the General laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 4MM the following section:-
Section 4NN. Any subscription certificate under an individual or group medical service agreement delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services. For purposes of this section, “Down syndrome” means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
SECTION 6. Chapter 176G of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 4EE the following section:-
Section 4FF. An individual or group health maintenance contract that is issued or renewed shall provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services. For purposes of this section, “Down syndrome” means a chromosomal condition caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of chromosome 21.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.