Bill > H1396

This bill aims to strengthen mental health services by increasing payment rates for behavioral health clinics and independent practitioners in Massachusetts. It introduces two new sections to Chapter 118E of the General Laws that require the state's division of health care financing to increase minimum payment rates for behavioral health services by 5% per procedure code starting January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that payment rates for services provided in behavioral health clinics must be at least 20% higher than comparable services delivered by independent practitioners. Additionally, the division must conduct biennial reviews of these rates, considering factors such as the Medicare Economic Index, comparing staff wages to the 75th percentile of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and accounting for the costs of governmental mandates. The bill defines key terms like "behavioral health services" (which include evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and support for mental health and substance use disorders) and applies to managed care entities including health insurers, health plans, and accountable care organizations. This legislation seeks to improve compensation for mental health providers and potentially enhance the quality and accessibility of behavioral health services in the state.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1396