Bill > H1229

This bill aims to define and mandate coverage for various mental health treatment services across different state healthcare programs and insurance providers in Massachusetts. The bill introduces and defines four key mental health service categories: mental health acute treatment (24-hour medically supervised inpatient services), mental health crisis stabilization services (24-hour diversionary services for adults and adolescents), community-based acute treatment (CBAT) for children and adolescents, and intensive community-based acute treatment (ICBAT), also for children and adolescents. The legislation requires that the Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid, and various health insurance providers cover these services without requiring prior authorization, with medical necessity determined by the treating clinician in consultation with the patient. For most of these services, there are specific duration limits (14 or 21 days), and providers must notify the insurance carrier within 48 hours of admission, with utilization review procedures potentially starting on day 7 or 10 depending on the service type. By amending multiple chapters of Massachusetts law, the bill ensures consistent coverage of mental health services across different insurance and state healthcare programs, emphasizing the importance of timely and accessible mental health treatment.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1229