H 990 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to removing barriers to non-opioid pain management

This Massachusetts bill removes administrative barriers for health insurance members seeking non-opioid pain treatments by eliminating the requirement for preauthorization on these services. It applies to various insurance plans, including those for employees, retirees, and self-insured groups, ensuring that patients do not face unnecessary approval steps for alternative pain management identified by their carriers. Additionally, the legislation mandates that insurance companies annually provide educational materials about their pain management plans to both healthcare providers and members while making plan details publicly available online. These changes aim to streamline access to non-opioid pain care without altering the underlying medical guidelines or coverage decisions.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Apr 18, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Apr 18, 2024
House · Referred to committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
Feb 22, 2024
House · Referred to committee
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
Feb 16, 2023
Senate · Passed
Senate concurred
Feb 16, 2023
House · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors