MA H4608

Establishes an evidence-based, culturally-specific patient navigation pilot program for people diagnosed with Long COVID, aligned with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) definition, subject to appropriation.

Patient navigators would assist with clinical needs including identifying subspecialty care, scheduling appointments, facilitating provider communication, and optimizing insurance and disability coverage.

Program addresses social support needs including transportation, language barriers, food and housing insecurity, unemployment assistance, and connections to community organizations and support groups.

Requires study of diseases associated with Long COVID including ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Department may establish a consumer advisory board of Long COVID patients and providers with stipend payments, and must report to the legislature within one year on program activities, patient participation by region, and recommendations for expansion.