MA H359

Requires all major health insurers, MassHealth, and the Group Insurance Commission to provide coverage and reimbursement for services delivered by certified community health workers or those in the process of obtaining certification

Expands the definition of "core competencies" for community health workers to include 10 skill areas such as outreach methods, culturally-based communication, health education, care coordination, and navigation of behavioral health and substance use disorder services

Allows community health workers employed by health care providers, community-based organizations, or municipalities—including non-medical entities—to be reimbursed for services

Establishes a Community Health Worker Workforce Development Taskforce co-chaired by legislative leadership, including state agency heads, legislators, and representatives from health care and community organizations

Taskforce must study workforce demographics, certification barriers, reimbursement sustainability, and career pathways, then submit findings and recommendations by March 31, 2026