MA S718

Eliminates patient cost-sharing (copays, deductibles, coinsurance) for substance use disorder treatment services, including early intervention, evaluations, outpatient services, medically assisted therapies, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential/inpatient services

Removes preauthorization requirements for substance use disorder treatment when the provider is certified or licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Eliminates cost-sharing for mental health benefits covered under existing behavioral health statutes across multiple insurance types

Applies to Group Insurance Commission plans (state employees), commercial insurers, hospital service corporations (Blue Cross), medical service corporations (Blue Shield), and HMOs

Includes an exception allowing cost-sharing if eliminating it would cause a plan governed by the Federal Internal Revenue Code to lose its tax-exempt status