MA S835

Requires all health insurers in Massachusetts to cover medically necessary mental health acute treatment (24-hour inpatient psychiatric care) without preauthorization, with medical necessity determined by the treating clinician

Mandates coverage for mental health crisis stabilization services for up to 14 days without preauthorization; facilities must notify carriers of admission and provide initial treatment plans within 48 hours, with utilization review allowed starting day 7

Requires coverage for community-based acute treatment (CBAT) for children and adolescents for up to 21 days, with utilization review allowed starting day 10

Requires coverage for intensive community-based acute treatment (ICBAT) for children and adolescents for up to 14 days, with utilization review allowed starting day 7

Applies to the Group Insurance Commission, MassHealth/Medicaid, and all private insurers including HMOs, hospital service plans, and medical service agreements