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MA S708

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

John Cronin

Click for details

Origin

Senate

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Prohibits health insurance carriers and utilization review organizations from imposing prior authorization, step therapy, or other protocols that restrict or delay FDA-approved medications for serious mental illness

  • Applies the same restrictions to MassHealth (Medicaid) and its contracted managed care entities

  • Defines "serious mental illness" to include 8 conditions: bipolar disorders, childhood/adolescent depression, major depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, paranoid personality and psychotic disorders, schizo-affective disorders, schizophrenia, and PTSD

  • Amends Chapter 176O (health insurance regulation) and Chapter 118E (MassHealth) of Massachusetts General Laws

  • Filed by Senator John J. Cronin (Worcester and Middlesex) on January 15, 2025, and referred to the Financial Services Committee

Legislative Description

Preserving access to treatment for patients with serious mental illnesses

Last Action

Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means

2/9/2026

Committee Referrals

Ways and Means2/9/2026
Health Care Financing12/11/2025
Financial Services2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available