By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Donaghue of Westborough, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1337) of Andres X. Vargas and Kate Donaghue relative to opioid use disorder treatment and rehabilitation. Financial Services.
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Date
Branch
Action
1/28/2026
House
1/28/2026 HouseAccompanied a new draft, see H4958↗
9/9/2025
Joint
9/9/2025 JointHearing scheduled for 09/17/2025 from 12:30 PM-04:30 PM in Gardner Auditorium
2/27/2025
Senate
2/27/2025 SenateSenate concurred
2/27/2025
House
2/27/2025 HouseReferred to the committee on Financial Services
An Act relative to opioid use disorder treatment and rehabilitation coverage
Active
12 section(s) · formatted for easier reading
▸SECTION 1
Chapter 32A of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting after section 17Y the following new section:-
▸SECTION 17Z
(a) Coverage offered by the commission to an active or retired employee of the commonwealth insured under the group insurance commission shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The commission shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the commission’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the commission shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the commission in consultation with the Department of Public Health, the Division of Insurance, and the Division of Medical Assistance.
▸SECTION 2
Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10Y the following new section:-
▸SECTION 10Z
(a) The division and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization, accountable care organization or primary care clinician plan shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The division and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization, accountable care organization or primary care clinician plan shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the commission in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Insurance.
▸SECTION 3
Chapter 175 of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 47BBB the following new section:-
▸SECTION 47C
CC. (a) Any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance issued, delivered or renewed within the commonwealth, which is considered creditable coverage under section 1 of chapter 111M, shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.
▸SECTION 4
Chapter 176A of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 8CCC the following new section:-
▸SECTION 8D
DD. (a) Any contract between a subscriber and the corporation under an
individual or group hospital service plan that is delivered, issued or renewed within the
commonwealth shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) Such contracts shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.
▸SECTION 5
Chapter 176B of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 4CCC the following new section:-
▸SECTION 4D
DD. (a) A subscription certificate under an individual or group medical service
agreement delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.
▸SECTION 6
Chapter 176G of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 4UU the following new section:-
▸SECTION 4V
V. (a) An individual or group health maintenance contract that is issued or
renewed within or without the commonwealth shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The individual or group health maintenance contract shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.
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SECTION 1. Chapter 32A of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting after section 17Y the following new section:-
Section 17Z. (a) Coverage offered by the commission to an active or retired employee of the commonwealth insured under the group insurance commission shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The commission shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the commission’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the commission shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the commission in consultation with the Department of Public Health, the Division of Insurance, and the Division of Medical Assistance.
SECTION 2. Chapter 118E of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Acts of 2024, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10Y the following new section:-
Section 10Z. (a) The division and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization, accountable care organization or primary care clinician plan shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The division and its contracted health insurers, health plans, health maintenance organizations, behavioral health management firms and third-party administrators under contract to a Medicaid managed care organization, accountable care organization or primary care clinician plan shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the commission in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Insurance.
SECTION 3. Chapter 175 of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 47BBB the following new section:-
Section 47CCC. (a) Any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance issued, delivered or renewed within the commonwealth, which is considered creditable coverage under section 1 of chapter 111M, shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.
SECTION 4. Chapter 176A of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 8CCC the following new section:-
Section 8DDD. (a) Any contract between a subscriber and the corporation under an
individual or group hospital service plan that is delivered, issued or renewed within the
commonwealth shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) Such contracts shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.
SECTION 5. Chapter 176B of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 4CCC the following new section:-
Section 4DDD. (a) A subscription certificate under an individual or group medical service
agreement delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.
SECTION 6. Chapter 176G of the General Laws, as amended by chapter xx of the Act of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 4UU the following new section:-
Section 4VV. (a) An individual or group health maintenance contract that is issued or
renewed within or without the commonwealth shall provide coverage for prescribed or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder; provided, however that the coverage for such prescribed, administered, ordered or dispensed opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists, shall be deemed medically necessary and shall not require prior authorization; and provided further that a prescription from a health care practitioner shall not be required for coverage of opioid antagonists and opioid agonists, including partial agonists. An opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, shall not be subject to any deductible, coinsurance, copayments or out-of-pocket limits; provided, however, that cost-sharing shall be required if the applicable plan is governed by the Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status as a result of the prohibition on cost-sharing for this service.
(b) The individual or group health maintenance contract shall provide coverage for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medical benefit when dispensed or administered by the health care facility, including substance use treatment facility, in which the opioid antagonist or opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder was prescribed, administered, or ordered and shall provide coverage as a pharmacy benefit for an opioid antagonist and an opioid agonist, including partial agonists, used in the treatment of opioid use disorder dispensed by a pharmacist; provided, however, that the rate to be reimbursed under the medical benefit shall not exceed the carrier’s average in-network pharmacy benefit rate and the health care facility shall not balance bill the patient. If dispensed directly to or administered to the patient, the division shall ensure cost to the health care facility is covered through reimbursement or other mechanism as determined by the division in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Medical Assistance.