Bill > S871

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to require MassHealth (the state's Medicaid program) to cover essential medical treatments for individuals aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability, intellectual disability, or autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, the bill mandates coverage for habilitative and rehabilitative treatments deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician or psychologist, using diagnostic criteria from the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The covered treatments include, but are not limited to, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy provided or supervised by a licensed behavior analyst, which aims to help individuals develop, maintain, or restore their functioning to the maximum extent possible. Additionally, the bill requires MassHealth to cover both dedicated and non-dedicated augmentative and alternative communication devices, such as medically necessary tablets, to support individuals with these conditions. This legislation is designed to ensure that adults with developmental, intellectual, or autism spectrum disorders receive comprehensive medical support through the state's Medicaid program.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S871