Bill > S898

This bill aims to improve access to behavioral health services within Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts by establishing a Patient Engagement Advocate program. The bill requires all ACOs to provide patient navigation and care coordination services for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders, or those showing potential symptoms. Patient Engagement Advocates, who can be social workers, community health workers, or peer support specialists, will help patients overcome barriers to accessing care by performing tasks such as conducting initial intake assessments, finding appropriate providers, assisting with insurance navigation, scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, supporting medication adherence, and providing post-treatment follow-up. Primary care providers must directly connect patients to these advocates, and ACOs cannot restrict referrals to only in-network behavioral health specialists. The bill also mandates that non-behavioral health specialists inform primary care providers about potential mental health issues. Additionally, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will fund a pilot program with a community-based organization to offer expanded patient support services, including e-support networks, financial counseling, and provider education on reducing stigma in healthcare settings. The Health Policy Commission will be responsible for developing regulations to implement these provisions within three months of the law's effective date.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S898