House Passes Linsky Provision to Mandate Coverage for Lyme Disease Treatment

BOSTON- The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to include a provision filed by Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget, which would require insurance companies to provide coverage for the long-term treatment of Lyme disease.

“Far too many Massachusetts families have experienced financial ruin because they have not been able to afford the high costs associated with treating this incredibly debilitating illness," said Representative Linsky. “By enacting this measure, we are providing much needed relief to thousands of Lyme sufferers throughout the Commonwealth.”

Massachusetts declared Lyme disease a public health crisis in 2014, with a reported 5,304 cases that year, the second-most of all states. But since the majority of Lyme disease cases have historically gone undetected, the state's Department of Public Health estimates a five to tenfold under reporting of rate for this debilitating illness.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that are spread to humans through the bite of tiny, infected deer ticks. Lyme disease can cause serious joint, heart or central nervous system problems if it is not recognized early in the disease process and treated appropriately. While some patients who contract Lyme disease are treated effectively, numerous other patients encounter issues receiving adequate treatment, and often experience difficultly accessing their prescribed treatment due to denials from insurance companies and the high costs associated with treatment.

This mandate comes after years of legislative review and expert testimony. Representative Linsky has been a state leader on this issue since 2012, when he was appointed by House Speaker Robert DeLeo to the Massachusetts Lyme Disease Commission, which was charged with providing a comprehensive overview into the various issues that surround this disease. Upon completion of its research, the Commission issued a report in February 2013 calling for mandatory insurance coverage, and Representative Linsky filed legislation to support this recommendation.

The budget now moves to the State Senate before it will arrive at the Governor’s desk for final approval.

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