Bill > S806

This bill aims to improve access to behavioral health services within Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring all ACOs to offer patient navigation and care coordination services through Patient Engagement Advocates, who will help patients access appropriate behavioral health providers, navigate insurance, schedule appointments, provide transportation support, and follow up to ensure patients maintain their treatment gains. 2. Mandating that primary care providers within ACOs directly connect patients with a diagnosed mental illness or substance use disorder to a Patient Engagement Advocate within 7 days of discharge or identification of the issue. 3. Allowing acute care hospitals and emergency facilities affiliated with ACOs to initiate discharge proceedings for patients who refuse further treatment, but requiring them to connect the patient with a Patient Engagement Advocate prior to or within 7 days of discharge if the patient agrees to further treatment. 4. Prohibiting ACOs from restricting referrals to only in-network behavioral health specialists. 5. Establishing a pilot program to fund a community-based organization offering additional patient and provider support services related to behavioral health.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S806