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Bill

S 1847

An Act to provide diabetes prevention program benefits for GIC insurees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney and 1 co-sponsor

Requires Massachusetts state employee health insurance (GIC) to cover diabetes prevention programs as a preventive benefit for eligible members.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
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Bill Summary · S 1847

Legislative bill overview

S 1847 requires the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), which administers health insurance for Massachusetts state employees and retirees, to provide coverage for diabetes prevention programs. The bill mandates that these preventive services be included as a covered benefit for eligible GIC members.

Why is this important

Diabetes prevention programs have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in reducing diabetes onset and associated healthcare costs. Extending coverage to state employees and retirees could improve health outcomes while potentially reducing long-term medical expenditures for the state's insurance program.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Adding a new covered benefit increases GIC premiums and state budgetary obligations, which may face scrutiny during budget discussions
  • Program definition and eligibility: The bill may lack specificity about which diabetes prevention programs qualify, who is eligible, and what cost-sharing (copays/deductibles) applies
  • Existing coverage gaps: Critics may question why this benefit is being added to GIC while broader healthcare access issues for uninsured or underinsured Massachusetts residents remain unaddressed

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

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