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Bill

HD 1929

An Act providing insurance coverage for biennial echocardiograms for persons under the age of 18

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sally Kerans

Massachusetts bill requiring health insurers to cover echocardiogram screenings for all children every two years to detect early heart disease.

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Bill Summary · HD 1929

Legislative bill overview

HD 1929 mandates that all health insurance plans in Massachusetts cover biennial (every two years) echocardiogram screenings for individuals under age 18 at no out-of-pocket cost to patients. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that visualizes heart structure and function, typically used to detect congenital heart defects or other cardiac abnormalities.

Why is this important

Early detection of heart conditions in children can prevent serious complications, sudden cardiac death, and enable timely medical intervention. This bill removes financial barriers to cardiac screening, potentially identifying asymptomatic conditions before they become life-threatening. However, it represents a significant expansion of mandatory insurance coverage with associated costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and insurance premiums: Mandatory coverage expansion could increase health insurance premiums for all Massachusetts residents, with unclear data on how many children would actually benefit versus the population-wide cost burden
  • Medical necessity debate: Cardiologists may disagree about whether universal biennial screening is medically necessary versus risk-based or symptom-triggered screening protocols
  • Federal vs. state mandates: Controversy over whether individual states should mandate specific screening requirements or if this should be determined by medical guidelines and federal insurance regulations

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

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