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S 824

An Act relative to IUD pain management coverage

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 6 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill mandates insurance coverage for pain management during IUD insertion and removal procedures to improve reproductive healthcare access and reduce patient financial burden.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
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Bill Summary · S 824

Legislative bill overview

S 824 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover pain management medications and procedures for patients undergoing intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and removal. The bill addresses the significant pain many people experience during these gynecological procedures, which currently often goes unmanaged due to lack of insurance coverage.

Why is this important

IUD insertion and removal can cause severe pain for many patients, potentially deterring them from using this highly effective contraceptive method. Current insurance coverage gaps mean patients must pay out-of-pocket for anesthesia, sedation, or pain relief medications, creating a financial barrier to reproductive healthcare access. This bill aims to reduce disparities in pain management access based on ability to pay.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue the mandate increases premiums and claim pain management during IUD procedures is discretionary rather than medically necessary
  • Definition and scope disputes: Disagreement over which pain management methods qualify for coverage (local anesthesia, sedation, general anesthesia, medication only) and whether all patients need coverage or only those with documented high pain risk
  • Medical necessity debate: Some clinicians argue IUD insertion/removal pain is manageable without pharmaceutical intervention, while others emphasize significant variation in pain experience and the importance of patient autonomy in choosing pain relief

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

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