MA S898

Requires all Health Policy Commission-certified Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to provide patient navigation and care coordination services for patients with diagnosed or suspected mental illness or substance use disorders, with existing ACOs having 6 months to comply

Creates "Patient Engagement Advocate" positions (licensed social workers, certified nursing aides, community health workers, or peer specialists) who must perform intake assessments, find appropriate providers, assist with insurance navigation, schedule appointments, coordinate transportation, support medication adherence, and provide post-treatment follow-up

Mandates primary care providers connect eligible patients with Patient Engagement Advocates prior to discharge or within 7 calendar days, and prohibits ACOs from restricting behavioral health referrals to only in-network specialists

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to fund at least one pilot program with a community-based organization offering patient empowerment services, e-support networks, online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy referrals, and provider education on reducing stigma

Requires the Health Policy Commission to promulgate implementing regulations within 3 months of the law's effective date