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

This bill (HD 3104) defines "serious mental illness" in Massachusetts law to include eight specific conditions (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD) as listed in the DSM. It directly affects patients diagnosed with these conditions and their health insurers. The key provision prohibits insurance companies and health plans from requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or other delays for FDA-approved medications treating these defined mental illnesses. This removes administrative barriers to accessing necessary medications for these patients. The law applies to all health insurance carriers and plans operating under Massachusetts Chapter 176O and Chapter 118E.