HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2862        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

David M. Rogers

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to ensure equitable health coverage for children.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2862        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 1237 OF 2023-2024.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act to ensure equitable health coverage for children.

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

Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding after Section 16D the following sections:-

Section 16E. (1) Notwithstanding any other law, there is hereby established a program of comprehensive health coverage for children and young adults under the age of 21 who are residents of the Commonwealth, as defined under section 8 of this chapter, who are not otherwise eligible for comprehensive benefits under Title XIX or XXI of the Social Security Act or under the demonstration pursuant to Section 9A of this chapter solely due to their immigration status. Children and young adults shall be eligible to receive comprehensive MassHealth benefits equivalent to the benefits available to individuals of like age and income under categorical and financial eligibility requirements established by the executive office pursuant to said Title XIX and Title XXI.

(2) The executive office of health and human services shall maximize federal financial participation for the benefits provided under this section, however benefits under this section shall not be conditioned on the availability of federal financial participation.