Bill
Bill > H1379
MA H1379
MA H1379Exempting medications used for the treatment of opioid use disorder from the prior approval process under the Massachusetts Medicaid program
summary
Introduced
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
194th General Court
Bill Summary
Relative to exempting medications used for the treatment of opioid use disorder from the prior approval process under the Massachusetts Medicaid program. Health Care Financing.
AI Summary
This bill amends Section 51A of Chapter 118E of the Massachusetts General Laws to modify the definition of "Step Therapy Protocol" in the state's Medicaid program. Specifically, the bill exempts medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) from prior authorization requirements and step therapy protocols. Step therapy is a process where patients must try less expensive or lower-risk medications before insurance will cover more costly or intensive treatments. By removing these barriers for OUD medications, the bill aims to make it easier for individuals struggling with opioid addiction to access necessary treatments quickly and without administrative hurdles. This change could potentially improve treatment outcomes by reducing delays in receiving medication-assisted treatment, which is a critical component in managing opioid use disorder and supporting recovery.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (on 09/15/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1379 |
| BillText | https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1379.pdf |
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