This bill requires all health insurance policies in Massachusetts - covering MassHealth, group plans, and individual policies - to provide equal coverage for mental health and behavioral health treatment as for physical health conditions. It mandates that insurers cover "medically necessary treatment for any mental disorder, including autism spectrum disorder," as defined by standard medical manuals (DSM/ICD), without discrimination. The law also prohibits disability insurance from excluding or limiting benefits for conditions related to mental health or substance use. These requirements apply to all policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects Massachusetts residents with health insurance, ensuring parity in access to mental health care.
By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1635) of John C. Velis for legislation to authorize pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment. Public Health.
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1711) of John F. Keenan for legislation to require all state and county correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
HD 2788 requires Massachusetts' Department of Public Health and the Board of Registration in Medicine to create a healthcare provider education campaign promoting FDA-approved medications for alcohol and opioid use disorders. The campaign covers screening, treatment planning, reducing disparities, and care coordination, counting toward continuing education credits. It also mandates a peer mentoring program for providers serving underserved communities and establishes grants to help providers hire staff for expanded medication-assisted treatment services. The bill requires tracking provider adoption of these treatments and reporting to state committees by 2020.
This bill requires Massachusetts insurers to cover opioid use disorder treatment provided by pharmacists at rates comparable to other nonphysician health providers. It mandates coverage under group insurance (Chapter 32A), Medicaid plans (Chapter 118E), private health insurance policies (Chapter 175), and hospital service plans (Chapter 176A). Pharmacists must be reimbursed for this service if it aligns with their scope of practice and would be covered if provided by a physician or nurse practitioner. The policy directly affects patients seeking opioid treatment and pharmacists who can now deliver this care with guaranteed insurance reimbursement.
HD 2059 requires Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover medications for opioid use disorder (like naloxone and buprenorphine) without prior authorization, prescriptions, or cost-sharing (deductibles, copays). It directly affects Commonwealth employees (via group insurance), Medicaid patients, and private insurance holders in Massachusetts. The bill mandates coverage as both a medical benefit (when administered at treatment facilities) and pharmacy benefit, with facilities reimbursed at standard rates to prevent balance billing. It also specifies that cost-sharing may still apply if a plan would lose tax-exempt status under IRS rules.
This bill (HD 3581) allows licensed physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds in Massachusetts, expanding their existing authority under Chapter 123 of the General Laws. It directly affects physician assistants working in mental health settings by permitting them to initiate involuntary psychiatric holds for individuals in crisis. Key provisions require physician assistants to complete 3 hours of specialized mental health evaluation training developed by the Department of Mental Health before authorizing such holds. The bill amends specific sections of the law to explicitly include "physician assistant" alongside "physician" in relevant provisions. This is a policy change to clarify and expand the scope of practice for physician assistants in mental health emergencies.
This bill (SD 1628) requires faster processing of inpatient mental health care decisions in Massachusetts. It mandates that hospital hearings for patients in mental health facilities occur within 7 days (instead of "as expeditiously as possible") and shortens timelines for independent medical exams to 24 hours after counsel is appointed, with completion within 3 business days. It also creates a new process for approving antipsychotic medication for children in state custody who are hospitalized, requiring the Department of Children and Families and the Child Advocate to develop a specific timeline. These changes directly affect hospitals, indigent patients seeking care, and children in foster care receiving psychiatric treatment.
This bill creates mandatory "Forensic Units" within certain facilities for specific patient populations. It defines these units as physically separate spaces with incarceration-like restrictions, specialized staff training, and appropriate environments. The law requires that individuals admitted under conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (e) of certain facility admission rules must initially be placed in these Forensic Units. The direct effect is on patients meeting those admission criteria, ensuring they receive care in a designated unit rather than standard facility units. The bill focuses on structural requirements for facility placement, not on treatment protocols or funding.
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1393) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, John F. Keenan and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
