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H 2612

An Act relative to health insurance and incarcerated individuals

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Frost

Massachusetts bill requires health insurers to maintain or suspend coverage for incarcerated individuals rather than terminating policies, enabling continuous care access during and after imprisonment.

Accompanied a study order, see H5254 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2612

Legislative bill overview

H 2612 addresses health insurance coverage for incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts. The bill ensures that people in state and local custody maintain or obtain health insurance during incarceration, rather than having policies terminated. This legislation aims to facilitate continuity of care and expedite reintegration into community health systems upon release.

Why is this important

Incarcerated individuals often lose health insurance coverage during detention, creating barriers to medical care while imprisoned and complicating their transition back to community healthcare upon release. Research suggests maintaining insurance continuity reduces recidivism and improves public health outcomes. The policy recognizes that jails and prisons have limited medical resources and that suspended (rather than terminated) coverage prevents gaps that can delay treatment for chronic conditions, mental health needs, or medication management.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Debate over whether state corrections budgets, Medicaid, or insurance carriers should bear the costs of suspended or maintained coverage during incarceration
  • Administrative burden: Complexity of coordinating insurance maintenance across multiple jail systems, county facilities, and state prisons with varying IT infrastructure
  • Scope questions: Whether the bill applies only to people awaiting trial, those convicted, both, and how it treats federal versus state detainees

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

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