Bill > H1805

This bill aims to improve access to mental health and substance abuse services for individuals covered by MassHealth, which is Massachusetts' Medicaid program. Specifically, it mandates that the Division of Medical Assistance, the state agency overseeing MassHealth, ensure that all entities contracted to provide services – including health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and specialized behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators – offer the same level of access to behavioral health services, benefits, and medications as they do for general medical care. This provision seeks to eliminate disparities and ensure that MassHealth consumers receive equitable treatment for their behavioral health needs.