An Act relative to IUD pain management coverage

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 15 co-sponsors

Massachusetts would require private insurers to cover pain management for IUD procedures and related pain, improving access and reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026

Summary of H 4957 (194th Massachusetts Legislature): An Act relative to IUD pain management coverage

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to require health insurers and third-party administrators to provide coverage for pain management related to intrauterine devices (IUDs).

The overarching goal is to improve access to pain mitigation options for individuals undergoing IUD insertion or experiencing pain related to IUD use, ensuring cost is not a barrier to appropriate pain management.

Key provisions and changes

Insurance coverage mandate: The bill would mandate private health insurers, including Commonwealth or state-regulated plans, to cover pain management services and products specifically associated with IUD procedures and ongoing IUD-related pain.

Scope of pain management coverage: Coverage would apply to services and treatments aimed at managing discomfort or pain connected to IUD insertion, continuation, or removal. This could encompass medications, therapies, and other clinically recognized pain management modalities.

Parity with other procedures: The measure aligns IUD pain management coverage with existing standards for other reversible contraception-related procedures and pain management, seeking to eliminate disparities in coverage.

Administrative controls: Provisions may address non-discrimination in coverage, reasonable patient cost-sharing limits, and adherence to existing state patient protections for contraceptive care.

Exclusions and clarifications: The bill would likely specify that coverage is subject to typical plan design constraints, while ensuring essential pain management services are not inappropriately denied or limited due to the reproductive health context.

Who is affected

Private health insurance policies and plan sponsors subject to Massachusetts insurance requirements.

Providers who administer IUD procedures or prescribe pain management therapies for IUD-related pain.

Individuals seeking IUD insertion, removal, or pain management related to IUD use who rely on insured health benefits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Committee pathway: The bill was reported favorably by the Committee on Financial Services and referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing as of January 28, 2026.

Reporting deadline extension: The reporting date for the bill has been extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026, indicating an anticipated continuation of legislative review and potential further amendments.

Sponsorship: The bill has a broad slate of co-sponsors representing multiple districts, signaling cross-chamber support and interest in aligning contraception-related care with comprehensive pain management coverage.

Potential impact and considerations

Access and affordability: If enacted, patients could experience reduced out-of-pocket costs for IUD-related pain management, potentially improving adherence to IUD use and reducing barriers to pain relief.

Provider practices: Clinicians may have clearer coverage expectations when prescribing pain management options alongside IUD services.

Equity and consistency: The measure promotes uniform treatment of contraception-related pain management within private insurance, contributing to parity with other medical pain management needs.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated aims and provisions based on the available action history and sponsor information. For exact statutory language, definitions, exemptions, and implementation details, refer to the bill text and any amendments adopted during the committee process.