An Act preserving access to treatment for patients with serious mental illnesses

This bill defines "serious mental illness" using the DSM criteria (including conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD) to clarify which patients qualify for protections. It prohibits health insurers and state health programs from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or other delays for FDA-approved medications treating these conditions. The law directly affects patients with qualifying mental health conditions by removing insurance barriers to accessing necessary medications. It applies to both private insurance plans and state-managed health programs under Massachusetts law.