By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that supporters say would expand non-opioid pain treatments; establish licenses for recovery coaches; support pregnant women and their children who have been exposed to substances; and vastly expand access to opioid-reversal drugs.
Other provisions mandate that all health plans cover opioid reversal drugs such as Naloxone and Narcan—without cost-sharing or prior authorization; require hospitals and substance use treatment facilities to educate patients on opioid reversal drugs and prescribe or dispense at least two doses to at-risk patients upon discharge; require pharmacies in areas with high incidences of overdoses to maintain a sufficient and consistent supply of opioid reversal drugs while also requiring them to stock both over the counter and prescription versions.
The bill includes several new insurance provisions, including a prohibition on life insurance companies from limiting or refusing coverage to a person solely because they obtained an opioid-reversal drug, and a prohibition on medical malpractice insurers from discriminating against health care practitioners who provide harm reduction services. The bill also updates requirements for insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage and access to pain management services including non-opioid treatments and expands access to non-opioid pain treatment by incorporating non-opioid alternatives into provider training.
“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,” said Gov. Healey. Their stories have served as important reminders of the urgent need to increase treatment, prevention and recovery services to save lives,” said Governor Healey. “I’m proud to sign this bill that will expand access to lifesaving overdose reversal medications and coaching throughout the recovery process.”
“This important legislation reflects an approach to substance use disorder that emphasizes recovery, compassion and evidence-based care,” said Public 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.”