Chapter 175 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 98C the following new section:-

Section 47LL.

(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

“Disability” has the same meaning as set forth in the deferral “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990”, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq., and its related amendments implementing regulations.

“Service dog” has the same meaning as set forth in the implementing regulations of Title II and Title III of the federal “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990”, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.

“Service-dog-in-training” means a dog or puppy that has been selected for service dog work and is being handled by a service-dog trainer .

(b) Any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance issued, delivered or renewed within the commonwealth, which is considered creditable coverage under section1 of chapter 111m, shall develop a plan to provide coverage and access to a service dog or service-dog-in-training for those with a qualifying disability, in accordance with guidelines developed by the division of insurance. Any person with a qualifying disability shall not be subject to an additional payment obligation, including, but not limited to, co-payments.