We just learned that a hearing on An Act relative to Transparency of Consumer Health Insurance Rights (S.685/H.1321), an NASW-MA priority bill, will be held on Tuesday, April 29th, starting at 10:00 am. An act relative to Transparency of Consumer Health Insurance Rights will be heard by the Joint Committee on Financial Services alongside other refiled bills that have been referred to this committee. There are four ways to make your voice heard in support of the Transparency of Consumer Health Insurance Rights:
- Provide oral testimony (in-person or virtually) - deadline to register is April 28th at noon.
- Submit written testimony in advance of (or immediately following) the hearing
- Contact your state legislators in support of Transparency of Consumer Health Insurance Rights
- Send us a blurb about why this bill is important, we may include it in our organizational testimony!
ABOUT TRANSPARENCY OF CONSUMER HEALTH INSURANCE RIGHTS:
There is a major lack of transparency in Massachusetts around which laws govern our health insurance providers. State-insured plans are subject to laws that make health care more equitable, such as mental health parity, while self-funded plans are not required to meet those regulations. This legislation would require all insurers who are regulated by the Division of Insurance (DOI) to display on members’ enrollment cards whether they are fully insured.
ORAL TESTIMONY
- Advanced registration is required to present oral testimony. You must register here by Monday, April 28th, by 12:00 pm.
- Oral testimony must be delivered in 3 minutes or less.
- If you are interested in providing oral testimony and want additional support or guidance, please email Rebekah ASAP and we can arrange a time to connect in advance of the registration deadline: rgewirtz.naswma@socialworkers.org. Even if you don't need help, let us know if you plan to testify so we can support you!
WRITTEN TESTIMONY
- Written testimony can be any length, but is preferably 1-2 pages.
- Your name, contact information, the bill title (An Act relative to transparency of consumer health insurance rights), bill numbers (S.685/H.1321), and your position (in support!) should all be easily identifiable for someone glancing over the testimony. It can be helpful to bold important information.
- Download a written testimony template here. Update and personalize the parts in brackets and those that are highlighted.
- Please email written testimony to jointcmte-financialservices@malegislature.govand cc mary.roy@mahouse.gov and shane.correale@masenate.gov.The Chairs request that those submitting written testimony include “Financial Services Testimony S.685/H.1321” in the subject line.
- I am happy to review drafts. Please share your written testimony with us and let us know when you submit!
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