An Act requiring equitable access to behavioral health services for MassHealth consumers

This bill requires that all organizations contracted to provide MassHealth services offer equal access to behavioral health care, including medications and benefits of comparable quality. It mandates that these providers submit their policies, standards, and methods for reviewing care to the state health division for approval. Additionally, the law requires these entities to report how they determine payment rates for inpatient mental health and substance use services, ensuring the rates cover the actual costs of care. The bill also establishes a deadline for submitting a detailed report on these payment methodologies to state committees within 90 days of the act taking effect.