Governor Healey signs bill making substance use disorder treatment and recovery support more affordable, accessible, in Massachusetts

BostonToday, Governor Maura Healey signed an Act pertaining to substance use disorder treatment and coverage, as well as recovery coach license, making recovery support and treatment more accessible and affordable for persons with substance use disorders. Notably, the law guarantees that life-saving opioid reversal drugs like naloxone are covered by health insurance and increases access to them. Important revisions are also included in the measure to support the welfare of newborns who were exposed to drugs during pregnancy as well as their caregivers.

Over the course of my career, I ve been motivated by those who have tragically lost loved ones to the opioid crisis that is impacting all of our communities. According to Governor Healey, their experiences have been crucial reminders of the pressing need to expand treatment, prevention, and recovery services in order to save lives. This bill, which will provide access to life-saving overdose reversal drugs and recovery coaching, is one that I am delighted to sign. I m grateful to our partners in the Legislature for their leadership in making sure Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in the fight against the opioid crisis.

Every single neighborhood in our state is impacted by the opioid crisis. We see the way it impacts our friends, families and neighbors, and it s clear that there is more work to be done to save lives, saidLieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. That s why our administration is more committed than ever to addressing substance use disorder and preventing overdose deaths. Massachusetts will be able to save lives, provide access to treatment and recovery resources, and decrease overdoses thanks to this bill.

As a practicing physician who primarily treats patients with substance use disorder, I see the comprehensive supports that people and their families need to be successful in recovery, saidUndersecretary for Health Kiame Mahaniah, MD. Not only does this bill expand access to treatment and supports for people living with SUD, but makes much-needed policy updates that promote the well-being of substance-exposed infants and their caregivers, while centering child safety.

This important legislation reflects an approach to substance use disorder that emphasizes recovery, compassion, and evidence-based care, saidPublic Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. The measures included in this bill will help break down barriers to care and push back against the stigma that hinders far too many from seeking effective treatment and moving toward recovery. Notably, this model of care affirms that the Commonwealth is committed to treating substance use disorder as a public health issue, not as a moral failing. It recognizes that with the right support, individuals can reclaim their lives, families can heal, and communities can thrive.

Key provisions from the bill include:

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  Mandates that insurance providers cover opioid reversal drugs and expands access.
  
  This bill mandates that all health plans cover emergency opioid antagonists (EOAs) opioid reversal drugs such as naloxone and Narcan without cost-sharing or prior authorization. It also requires hospitals and treatment facilities to educate patients on EOAs and prescribe or dispense at least two doses of EOAs to patients with a history of overdose, opioid use, or opioid use disorder (OUD) upon discharge.
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  Prohibits life insurance limits or refusal based on EOA history
  
  . This legislation prohibits life insurance companies from limiting or refusing coverage to a person solely because they obtained an EOA for themselves or others.
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  Updates insurance requirements for non-opioid pain treatment.
  
  The bill updates requirements for insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage and access to pain management services without prior authorization, including non-opioid alternatives to pain treatment.
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  Mandates insurance coverage for recovery coaches.
  
  The bill mandates all health plans cover recovery coach services without cost-sharing or prior authorization at no less than MassHealth rates, regardless of the setting in which the services are provided.
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  Establishes recovery coaching licensure.
  
  This legislation establishes recovery coach licensing and oversight within DPH and codifies the practice of recovery coaching to ensure qualifications, proper use of titles, and compliance with DPH regulations. It also directs BSAS to study and report on barriers to certification, credentialing, and other employment and practice requirements for recovery coaches, while also ensuring timely and standardized licensure and renewal processes and establishing a peer support program for recovery coaches and their employers that includes mentorship, technical assistance, and other resources.
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  Creates protections for harm reduction measures,
  
  which establishes a criminal and civil liability protections for people who, in good faith, provide or utilize fentanyl test strips or other drug testing equipment.
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  Updates policy for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure
  
  . The bill mandates a collaborative approach to conducting comprehensive assessments of how substance use may affect parental capacity and infant safety, prioritizing family unity and access to appropriate support systems. A parent who is stable in recovery will no longer automatically require a report for abuse or neglect.

Too many families have known the pain of substance use disorder and, tragically, the loss of a loved one because of it, saidSenate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). Opioids have stolen life from parents, children, siblings, and friends. The legislation approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor makes powerful strides towards mitigating this crisis by helping those coping with substance use disorder reduce harm, find treatment, and achieve recovery that lasts a lifetime. I am grateful for the work of Senators Crighton and Velis, my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House and the Administration on this vital bill.

As families across Massachusetts know all too well, the impact of opioid addiction can be utterly devastating for the individual and for their loved ones, which is why a continued focus on combating substance use is a critical responsibility that we have as elected officials, saidHouse Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, as well as Chairman Madaro and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for reforms that will help those dealing with addiction on their journey to recovery.

This comprehensive legislation will save lives across the Commonwealth, saidSenator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders, we have created a multi-pronged approach to bolster care, encourage recovery, and prevent overdose fatalities. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration and our legislative colleagues for their commitment and partnership throughout this legislative process.

As Attorney General, Governor Maura Healey was at the forefront of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in triggering the opioid crisis. I m pleased and grateful to see her continue to support individuals with substance use disorder by signing this bill, which will expand access to essential treatment and services. I look forward to working with her administration to oversee the implementation of these impactful initiatives in the days and months ahead, saidRepresentative Adrian Madaro, House Chair, Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery (D-East Boston).

The tragic truth is that most people in our Commonwealth know someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction, and it is truly heartbreaking how many loved ones we continue to lose to substance use disorders every year, statedSenator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery. The legislation signed today not only bolsters access to life saving overdose reversal tools but also expands access to recovery coaches, vital providers who understand what it is like to navigate recovery because of their lived experiences. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and all of the advocates and individuals with lived experiences who have so worked tirelessly on this legislation that will save and change countless lives.

This legislation continues the Commonwealth s dedication to addressing the opioid crisis by reducing stigma and providing the necessary support for those in recovery. I want to thank the Speaker for his commitment to those impacted by opioid addiction and Chairman Madaro for his dedication to getting this bill passed, saidAssistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley).

I am pleased that the committee was able to get this done before the end of the year and very happy that Governor Healey is acting quickly to sign the bill. So many people have worked tirelessly on addressing the substance abuse problems that plague our state, and it is great to see the Governor take a step towards resolving the issue by pushing forward with this bill, saidRepresentative Michael Soter (R-Bellingham).

I am happy to have played a role as one of the final six legislators who negotiated the contents of this bill, saidSenator Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton).This is a very comprehensive, impactful bill devoid of controversy that will no doubt save lives at a very important time in history and a bill that the vast majority of the citizens of the Commonwealth can support.

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