WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 4335

An Act relative to cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with an acquired brain injury

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 29 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requires health insurers to cover cognitive rehabilitation therapy for acquired brain injury patients, expanding access to neurological recovery services.

Reporting date extended to Friday, July 31, 2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4335

Legislative bill overview

H 4335 establishes coverage requirements for cognitive rehabilitation services for individuals with acquired brain injuries in Massachusetts. The bill mandates that health insurance plans include these specialized therapeutic services as a covered benefit, ensuring patients have access to treatment aimed at restoring cognitive function after traumatic brain injury, stroke, or similar neurological events.

Why is this important

Acquired brain injuries affect thousands of Massachusetts residents annually and can result in significant cognitive impairments affecting employment, independence, and quality of life. Without insurance coverage mandates, cognitive rehabilitation remains inaccessible to many patients due to high costs, leaving them unable to pursue recovery treatments that could meaningfully improve outcomes. This bill addresses a coverage gap that currently forces families to choose between financial hardship and forgoing rehabilitation services.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost increases: Health insurers will likely argue that mandating new coverage categories raises premiums for all policyholders, potentially affecting affordability for consumers
  • Defining "cognitive rehabilitation": Ambiguity around which specific therapies, providers, and treatment durations qualify could create disputes between insurers and patients over coverage eligibility
  • Medical necessity standards: Disagreement may arise over what clinical criteria determine whether a patient qualifies for covered services, potentially limiting access despite the mandate

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

Sign in to ask a question.