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H 1248

An Act providing living organ donor protections

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 2 co-sponsors

Bill H 1248 protects living organ donors in Massachusetts by prohibiting insurance discrimination, ensuring coverage, and promoting public awareness about organ donation.

Accompanied H1084
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Bill Summary · H 1248

Summary of Bill H 1248: An Act Providing Living Organ Donor Protections

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 1248 aims to enhance protections for living organ donors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to ensure that individuals who donate organs do not face discrimination in health insurance and related policies due to their status as donors. This initiative is designed to encourage organ donation by safeguarding the rights and health coverage of donors.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant amendments to existing laws, primarily focusing on insurance coverage and public awareness regarding living organ donation:

  1. Insurance Coverage Protections:

    • Chapter 175 Amendments: The bill prohibits insurers from:
      • Declining or limiting coverage solely based on a person's status as a living organ donor.
      • Requiring a person to refrain from donating organs as a condition for maintaining coverage.
      • Discriminating in any aspect of insurance coverage (offering, issuance, cancellation, pricing) based on the donor status without additional actuarial risks.
    • Violations of these provisions are classified as unfair methods of competition or deceptive practices under Chapter 176D.

  2. Public Awareness:

    • Chapter 111 Addition: The Department of Public Health is mandated to make materials related to live organ donation available to the public, provided these materials come from reputable organizations.

  3. Long-Term Care Insurance:

    • Similar protections are extended to long-term care insurance policies, ensuring that donors are not discriminated against in coverage terms.

Affected Parties

  • Living Organ Donors: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals who choose to donate organs, as it protects their rights and ensures they do not face discrimination in health insurance.
  • Insurance Companies: Insurers will need to adjust their policies and practices to comply with the new regulations, ensuring non-discriminatory practices regarding living organ donors.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill is accompanied by H1084 and has been referred to the committee on Financial Services.
  • Upcoming Hearing: A hearing is scheduled for May 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in room A-2.
  • Legislative Actions: The Senate has concurred with the bill, and it has been filed under House Docket No. 884.

Conclusion

Bill H 1248 represents a significant step towards protecting living organ donors in Massachusetts by ensuring equitable treatment in health insurance policies. By addressing potential discrimination and promoting public awareness, the bill aims to foster a supportive environment for organ donation.

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

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