Bill > H4743

This bill proposes several key changes: 1. It requires the Group Insurance Commission and MassHealth to provide coverage for opioid antagonists (like naloxone) without prior authorization or cost-sharing, and to cover services provided by licensed recovery coaches. 2. It establishes new licensing requirements for alcohol and drug counselors and recovery coaches, including education, training, and examination standards set by the Department of Public Health. 3. It provides legal protections for individuals assisting in drug testing services as part of harm reduction efforts. 4. It requires hospitals to provide opioid antagonists and education to patients with a history of opioid use or overdose upon discharge. 5. It directs the Department of Public Health to collect and report data on births affected by prenatal substance exposure. 6. It prohibits insurance discrimination against individuals based solely on possessing or using an opioid antagonist. Overall, the bill aims to expand access to substance use treatment, recovery support, and overdose prevention services in Massachusetts.

House Committee on Ways and Means (House)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4743