Massachusetts

Legislation*

*legislation that is currently pending

2025

Mass. H.B. 1290 - Introduced February 27, 2025

This bill mandates that all dental benefit plans offered within Massachusetts—including those through the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid contractors, and private dental insurers—must provide coverage for oral cancer screenings. These screenings are defined as examinations performed by a dentist or doctor to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The bill also requires coverage for laser bacterial reduction therapy as part of periodontal treatment.This bill mandates that all dental benefit plans offered within Massachusetts—including those through the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid contractors, and private dental insurers—must provide coverage for oral cancer screenings. These screenings are defined as examinations performed by a dentist or doctor to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The bill also requires coverage for laser bacterial reduction therapy as part of periodontal treatment.

Mass. H.B. 1258 - Introduced on February 27, 2025

It requires insurance coverage for medically necessary oral and dental care related to head and neck cancer. This includes pre-treatment care (like fluoride treatments and restorative procedures), care needed during and after cancer therapies (such as chemotherapy and radiation), and rehabilitation services like prosthetics, implants, and oral cancer screenings. The bill ensures patients receive essential dental support before, during, and after cancer treatment to manage side effects and restore function. Several iterations of this bill have been previously proposed, but have not passed.