Bill > H991

This bill aims to expand coverage and reimbursement for behavioral health and substance use disorder services provided by peer support specialists, including peer recovery coaches and recovery support navigators. The key provisions include: - Requiring the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid (MassHealth), and various private health insurance plans to cover and reimburse for peer support specialist services, including via telemedicine, at a rate no less than the prevailing MassHealth rate. - Specifying that these peer support services must be deemed medically necessary and cannot require prior authorization from insurers. - Directing the Division of Insurance to issue regulations or guidance to require carriers to reimburse acute care hospitals and clinics for peer support specialist services. - Requiring the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to conduct a report on barriers to certification and employment of peer recovery specialists, and to establish a comprehensive peer support program to provide mentorship, training, and other resources. The bill aims to improve access to and coverage for peer-based services, which are recognized as an important component of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery support.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H991