WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 685

Authorizes existing building projects to continue when the fossil fuel ban takes effect

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 7 co-sponsors

Requires fully insured health plan ID cards to prominently display plan details, carrier and third-party administrator contacts, cost-sharing, deductibles, and rights information.

PRINT NUMBER 685A
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 685

Summary — S.685 (Print 685A): “An Act relative to transparency of consumer health insurance rights”

Note: Although the packet header includes an unrelated title about building projects and a mixed set of sponsors/committee entries, the bill text amends Massachusetts insurance law (Chapter 176O) and is focused on increased consumer transparency on health plan enrollment cards. This summary reflects the statutory text of the bill.

Purpose

To require health insurance carriers to display key consumer-rights and plan identification information prominently on members’ enrollment (ID) cards so consumers can more easily identify their plan, understand cost-sharing at point of service, and contact the appropriate customer service or third‑party administrators.

Key provisions

Amends Chapter 176O, section 19 (replacing the existing section) to require that a carrier prominently state on the front or back of each enrollment card the following:

  1. “This health plan is fully‑insured, subject to all Massachusetts insurance laws.”
  2. The carrier name and the insured’s specific health plan name, including any identifying numbers or other plan identifiers.
  3. A toll‑free telephone number for the carrier’s member services department.
  4. The name and toll‑free telephone number of any third party that administers behavioral health, prescription drug, or other benefits.
  5. The amount of any copayment for preventive care visits, office visits, emergency department visits, and prescription drugs.
  6. Whether the plan has a deductible, and the amount of any deductible.
  7. Any other information required by the Commissioner of Insurance.

Who is affected

  • Consumers/members enrolled in fully‑insured health plans in Massachusetts (they will receive clearer ID cards).
  • Health insurance carriers offering fully‑insured plans (obligated to update ID/enrollment cards).
  • Third‑party administrators that manage behavioral health, pharmacy, or other benefits (their contact info must be listed when applicable).
  • Regulators (Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance), who may specify additional required card information.

Procedural status and timeline (as reflected in provided records)

  • Introduced in the Massachusetts Senate: February 24, 2025 (Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem sponsor).
  • Read twice and referred to committee (records show referrals to the Judiciary and Financial Services committees).
  • Hearing scheduled April 29, 2025 (A‑2).
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to Health Care Financing: August 28, 2025.
  • Amendments and Print Number 685A recorded May 21, 2025. Note: provided legislative actions show multiple, overlapping referrals and entries; official chamber records should be consulted for the authoritative procedural status.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Consumer benefit: clearer, at‑a‑glance information to help members understand coverage, cost‑sharing, and whom to call at point of care.
  • Administrative impact: carriers will need to redesign and reprint ID/enrollment cards and update operations to ensure required data is accurate and included; costs are likely modest but depend on printing cycles and volume.
  • Regulatory role: the Commissioner of Insurance can require additional card content or implementation details.
  • No explicit effective date is included in the text provided; typical practice is effectiveness upon enactment unless otherwise specified.

Notes

  • The packet contains inconsistent metadata (alternate titles, sponsor lists that appear to include federal legislators, and multiple committee referrals). This summary relies on the statutory language in the bill text amending Chapter 176O, section 19. For legislative tracking or official bill versions, consult the Massachusetts Legislature’s website or the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

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

Sign in to ask a question.