This bill aims to improve the care and management of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Massachusetts by establishing a comprehensive framework that includes support, education, and treatment initiatives. It introduces a new section, 10AA, to Chapter 118E of the General Laws, which mandates health insurers to provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services for individuals diagnosed with medical or genetic conditions that may impair fertility. Additionally, the bill establishes a Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease within the Department of Public Health, composed of various stakeholders, to create partnerships, develop educational materials, and identify funding sources to enhance care for individuals with SCD.

Moreover, the bill establishes a Sickle Cell Disease Detection and Education Program aimed at promoting screening and education, particularly among underserved populations, and mandates healthcare providers to report specific patient information to the Department of Public Health. This includes the creation of a central registry for newborns diagnosed with sickle cell trait, ensuring parents receive information about genetic counseling and follow-up care. The bill also outlines a strategy for improving healthcare access and quality for individuals with SCD enrolled in Medicaid managed care, requiring Medicaid organizations to implement a quality strategy by January 1, 2027, focusing on timely patient identification, care coordination, and training for primary care providers.