Massachusetts H4961: An Act to increase access to healthcare for ostomy patients

What the bill says

From the introduced text, January 28, 2026:

SECTION 1. Chapter 32A of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 17Z the following section:- Section 17AA. (a) The commission shall provide to any person who is insured under the group insurance commission coverage of all medical supplies for management of surgically created or spontaneous fistulas and coverage of supplies related to ostomy care. The commission shall not require the use of non-medical supplies for a patient to receive coverage under this section. The commission shall make publicly available information about its coverage of supplies related to ostomy care. (b) If a person obtains new health insurance coverage, information about the person’s ostomy care, patient history and prescriptions shall be transferred to the new insurer within 72 hours for continuity of care. Ostomy supply orders and shipments shall not be delayed during the transition period. (c) Healthcare payers shall reimburse suppliers of supplies related to ostomy care at a rate not less than the Medicare reimbursement rate. SECTION 2. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 51O the following section:- Section 51P. Any acute-care hospital licensed pursuant to this chapter that performs ostomy surgery shall employ and have access to certified healthcare professionals who specialize in ostomy care. The acute-care hospital shall ensure ongoing follow-up care offers ostomy care in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Services, Joint Committee on Financial (I) · primary sponsor
• Joshua Tarsky (D)
• Richard Wells (D)
• Margaret Scarsdale (D)
• Kathleen LaNatra (D, 12th Plymouth)
• Carmine Gentile (D)
• Michelle Badger (D)
• John Keenan (D, Norfolk and Plymouth)
• Edward Philips (D, 8th Norfolk)
• David DeCoste (R, 5th Plymouth)
• Estela Reyes (D)
• John Marsi (R, 6th Worcester)

Latest actions

1. July 27, 2026: Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
2. July 9, 2026: Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
3. January 28, 2026: Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
4. January 28, 2026: New draft of H4162
5. January 28, 2026: Reported from the committee on Financial Services

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Health Care Financing (July 16, 2026): 13 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Financial Services (December 16, 2025): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H4961?

H4961 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to increase access to healthcare for ostomy patients.

What is the status of H4961?

In committee as of July 27, 2026. Latest action: Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (July 27, 2026).

Who sponsored H4961?

Services, Joint Committee on Financial (I), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H4961?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4961