The Massachusetts Legislature has reinstated the original language regarding Lyme disease insurance coverage, and sent the measure back to Governor Baker.

The first time, it was sent as a budget amendment, which allowed the governor to change the language into something that curtailed—instead of expanded—the ability of Lyme patients to get insurance coverage for long-term antibiotic treatment.

This time it goes as a bill, so the governor can’t change the language. The legislature also added an emergency preamble, making the measure effective immediately.

Governor Baker has 10 days to choose one of three options:

1. Approve it;
2. Do nothing – in which case it becomes law;
3. Reject it – in which case it will be sent back to the House and Senate, where it will require a 2/3 majority vote in each chamber to override his veto.

If he vetoes it and it goes back to the Legislature, the deadline for an override vote is July 31. Thus, time is of the essence!

Massachusetts residents, call your governor now. 617.725.4005 and insist that he sign it. Time is short. Do it now.