Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H4939: An Act to facilitate timely access to quality health care by expanding access to patient navigation
Status: In committee, July 29, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text, January 23, 2026:
SECTION 2. Chapter 118E of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 10Z the following section:- Section 10AA. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings: “Community health worker” means a frontline health worker who Serves as a liaison between patients, health-care providers, social service providers and community members to facilitate access to health-related services in the community the health worker serves, including access to physical, behavioral, and preventive health services or access to services to address social determinants of health. “Patient navigation services” means the following services furnished by a community health worker to patients in their communities: 1. Services to prevent or screen for chronic diseases (such as cancer) and services designed to slow the progression of chronic diseases. 2. Screenings for nonclinical and social needs and referrals to appropriate services and agencies to meet those needs. 3. Group and individual education to prevent illness or disease, including the promotion of healthy behaviors to increase awareness and prevent the development of illness or disease. 4. Health coaching, health navigation, health advocacy, and individual supports, including transitions of care supports. 5. Overcoming cultural factors, such as language, socioeconomic status, or health literacy, to properly understand treatment options or treatment plans. 6. Diagnosis-related patient education with respect to treatment and self-management …
Sponsors
- Services, Joint Committee on Financial (I) · primary sponsor
- Jessica Giannino (D, 16th Suffolk)
- Sean Reid (D)
- Natalie Blais (D, 1st Franklin)
- James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)
- James Arciero (D, 2nd Middlesex)
- Tarr, Andrew (D, 5th Essex)
- Samantha Montaño (D)
- Rebecca Rausch (D, Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex)
- Amy Sangiolo (D)
- Mike Connolly (D, 26th Middlesex)
- John Moran (D, 9th Suffolk)
Latest actions
- : Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
- : Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
- : Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
- : New draft of H1173
- : 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 (January 5, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is H4939?
- H4939 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to facilitate timely access to quality health care by expanding access to patient navigation.
- What is the status of H4939?
- In committee as of July 29, 2026. Latest action: Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means (July 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored H4939?
- Services, Joint Committee on Financial (I), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H4939?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4939
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.