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Section 9: Commission on Falls Prevention

Establishes a commission on falls prevention to study the effects of falls on older adults and the health care costs associated with such falls. In addition to suggesting strategies for reducing health care costs associated with falls, the commission must recommend effective preventive measures to protect older adults, including the creation of support programs to reach out to the most vulnerable. The commission must submit an annual report to the legislature noting the commission's progress and recommendations.

Section 8: Open Enrollment Waivers

Authorizes the Office of Patient Protection (OPP) to grant waivers, according to standards and procedures it sets, for people to enroll in a managed care health plan outside of a mandatory open enrollment period. To get a waiver, individuals must certify under the penalty of perjury that they did not intentionally forego enrollment into coverage, and the plan must meet minimum creditable coverage standards. The Office of Patient Protection was created to assist individuals enrolled in a Massachusetts managed care health plan with questions or problems in obtaining covered services. The OPP may also assist individuals in appealing a denial of an insurance claim or access to service. In addition to monitoring quality-related health insurance plan information relating to managed care practices, the OPP must publish on its website the health plan report cards and a chart comparing premium amounts various health insurance companies spend on health care services for consumers.

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