Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 2220: An Act relative to access to psychiatric collaborative care

By Representative LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2220) of Kathleen R. LaNatra, Michael D. Brady and Bud L. Williams relative to healthcare coverage for psychiatric collaborative care. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly provides healthcare coverage for psychiatric collaborative care under mental health services, directly advancing patient access to mental health treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 5, 2025

H 2205: An Act expanding loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians

By Representative Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2205) of Mindy Domb relative to loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians, increasing healthcare workforce access and provider availability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2059: An Act relative to opioid use disorder treatment and rehabilitation coverage

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates opioid treatment coverage as rehabilitation, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing recidivism through accessible medical care.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for opioid treatment without cost-sharing, expanding access to critical care and aligning with healthcare access indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Prescription Drugs Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1660: An Act authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer coverage for pharmacist-provided opioid treatment under multiple insurance frameworks, expanding access to substance use disorder care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Hospitals Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2604: An Act relative to health and transportation

SD 2604 requires Massachusetts regional transit authorities to create plans improving access to medical transportation for specific health services, including maternal care, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment. The bill directly affects transit authorities by mandating they develop these plans, which must include connections between regional systems to allow seamless travel across areas. Key provisions include a 12-month deadline for submitting the plans and recommendations to the Executive Office of Transportation, the Department of Public Health, and legislative clerks. The law focuses on making healthcare transportation more timely and efficient for residents.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates medical transportation plans for mental health, maternal care, and substance use treatment, directly improving access to healthcare services.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates transit authorities to improve medical transportation access, enhancing public transit utility for health services within transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse Public Transit

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4206: An Act regarding a minor's consent to substance use treatment

HD 4206 allows minors aged 12 or older to consent to hospital and medical care for substance use disorders without parental permission. A medical professional must first determine the minor has a substance use disorder. This consent cannot be canceled later because the minor is under 18. The bill directly affects minors with substance use disorders seeking treatment and healthcare providers offering such care. It changes existing law to remove parental consent requirements for this specific treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves parental consent barrier for minors seeking substance use treatment, improving access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations with substance use disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1409: An Act to reform mental health supports and increase public safety

By Ms. Kennedy (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1409) of Gary Lowell, for legislation to mandate psychiatric evaluations in a hospital emergency room if a restraint authorization is given. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates psychiatric evaluations during ER restraints, diverting mental health crises from criminal justice system to appropriate care, aligning with reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates psychiatric evaluations in ERs for restraint cases, directly strengthening mental health access and safety protocols within healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1404: An Act ensuring equitable access and care quality for masshealth recipients

By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1404) of John F. Keenan for legislation to ensure equitable behavioral health access and care for Masshealth recipients. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures equitable behavioral health access and care quality for MassHealth recipients, directly improving mental health service access for Medicaid beneficiaries.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 1379: An Act to provide more focused care to individuals suffering from mental health and substance related disabilities

By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1379) of Michael D. Brady for legislation to provide more focused care to individuals suffering from mental health and substance related disabilities. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve mental health and substance use care services, directly advancing patient access and treatment options in healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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