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Bill

H 1317

An Act improving access to breast pumps

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill to expand breast pump access through improved insurance coverage and affordability measures for nursing mothers.

Hearing rescheduled to 04/29/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1317

Legislative bill overview

H.1317 aims to improve access to breast pumps for nursing mothers in Massachusetts by addressing cost and availability barriers. The bill was referred to the Financial Services Committee, suggesting it likely involves insurance coverage requirements, subsidies, or loan programs to make breast pumps more affordable and accessible to residents.

Why is this important

Breast pump access directly affects maternal health, infant nutrition, and workforce participation—mothers unable to afford pumps may stop breastfeeding earlier than desired. The bill addresses a documented gap in healthcare access, as many insurance plans provide limited or no coverage for breast pump equipment despite federal requirements under the Affordable Care Act.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding mechanism: Whether the state should subsidize pumps through Medicaid/insurance mandates or if this should remain a private market issue, and how costs would be distributed across insurers and taxpayers
  • Definition of coverage scope: Disagreement over which pump models, frequencies of replacement, and accessories should be covered—premium pumps versus basic models
  • Insurance market impact: Concerns that mandated coverage could increase insurance premiums for all customers or reduce insurer participation in the Massachusetts market

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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