Bill > H2202

This bill creates parity for mental and behavioral health services across several areas of Massachusetts health insurance and disability coverage. It requires that health insurance policies, including those for state employees, individual and group plans, and health maintenance organizations, provide non-discriminatory coverage for the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of mental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, using the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The bill also adds provisions to prevent discrimination in short-term and long-term disability insurance for individuals with mental health conditions, ensuring that limitations on benefits or coverage exclusions for mental health-related disabilities are applied equally to all disabilities. Additionally, the bill includes a provision requiring network hospitals to be fully compensated for behavioral health services provided to MassHealth patients when no alternative placement is available, provided the hospital has made good faith efforts to find an alternative setting. These changes are set to take effect for policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, with form filings subject to approval by the insurance commissioner.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2202