COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133

Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 29, 2024

Senate Acts to Expand Insurance Coverage for Down Syndrome Treatment

Approximately 5,000 of Massachusetts residents live with Down syndrome

(BOSTON—10/29/2024) Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) announces that the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill mandating that insurers provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through therapies and applied behavior analysis services.

S.617, An Act relative to applied behavioral analysis therapy, requires health insurance providers to provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis services.

“This legislation is a critical step in supporting those in the Commonwealth living with Down syndrome to ensure they are able to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives,” said Senator Joan Lovely. “Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka for your work to make sure this crucial piece of legislation moves forward. Thank you also to Senate Minority Leader Tarr for his advocacy for those living with Down syndrome, efforts for which he was named the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Legislator of the Year 2024.”

According to UMass Memorial Health, approximately 5,000 people in Massachusetts live with Down syndrome.

According to studies performed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, speech therapy interventions improved decoding skills for word reading and had a positive impact on articulation in children with Down syndrome.

“Today the Senate took action requiring insurers to cover tests and treatments so that Massachusetts residents don’t have to shoulder costs related to these conditions on their own. We are prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our residents, and it is thanks to the work of Chair Rodrigues, Chair Friedman, and Senator Cyr, who have each done tremendous work on these pieces of legislation,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).

“The Senate has been steadfast in redefining and expanding access to quality health care, and mandating insurance coverage in numerous sectors across the health care spectrum continues that mission,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Senate bill 617 is a commonsense bill enabling individuals with Down syndrome to have services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis services covered. It is not only the right thing to do but is also long overdue.”

“I firmly believe that insurance coverage should never be a barrier to seeking and receiving comprehensive and evidence-based medical treatment,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “The bill passed by the Senate requires insurance coverage for therapies to treat individuals with a singular diagnosis of Down syndrome, helping to reduce financial stressors for families and ensure these individuals receive necessary interventions to help them thrive. The Massachusetts Senate will continue to work to address challenges to equitable health care access to ensure we can improve the lives of those who stand to benefit the most from these life-changing treatments.”

“Every child deserves a fair shot at learning, growing, and thriving in their community—and that includes children with Down syndrome,” said Senate Assistant Majority Whip Julian Cyr (D-Provincetown). “Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy has proven transformative for so many; yet too often, access to this essential support is out of reach for those who need it most. By ensuring insurance coverage for at-home ABA therapy, this legislation will make a powerful difference for families across the Commonwealth, lifting a burden that has existed for too long. It’s about time we make this gold-standard care accessible to all, so every child has the chance to realize their fullest potential.”

Having been passed by the Senate, the bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

###