An Act relative to access to care for serious mental illness

This Massachusetts bill requires health insurance plans to cover medications for serious mental illness without imposing prior authorization or step therapy requirements. It applies to all policies issued, delivered, or renewed within the state that are considered creditable coverage, including those from private insurers and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The legislation defines serious mental illness as a disorder causing significant functional impairment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual. By removing these specific administrative hurdles, the law aims to streamline access to necessary psychiatric treatments for Massachusetts residents.