Healthcare (Substance Abuse)

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 11, 2026

H 4686: An Act relative to Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome

H 4686 proposes establishing a commission to research topical steroid addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS), a condition that can occur after discontinuing long-term use of topical steroid creams or ointments. The commission would examine the health impacts, causes, and challenges associated with these conditions, particularly for individuals who have used topical steroids for skin conditions. This research aims to inform future public health policies and support for affected individuals. The bill is sponsored by Representative Frank A. Moran and falls under the Public Health category.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates commission to research TSWS health impacts, aiming to inform future public health policies and support for affected individuals, advancing healthcare understanding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 95: An Act relative to patient centered access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations

This bill requires Massachusetts Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) certified by the Health Policy Commission to provide patient navigation services for individuals with diagnosed mental illness, substance use disorder, or symptoms suggesting these conditions. ACOs must assign certified Patient Engagement Advocates to help patients overcome barriers like finding providers, navigating insurance, scheduling appointments, and coordinating care across specialists. These advocates must provide specific support services, including initial intake assessments, provider matching, and post-treatment follow-up, with patient consent. The requirement applies to all new ACOs immediately and existing ACOs within six months of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates ACOs to provide patient navigation for behavioral health access, reducing barriers like insurance and provider coordination, directly supporting mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1947: An Act exempting medications used for the treatment of opioid use disorder from the prior approval process under the Massachusetts Medicaid program

This bill exempts medications used to treat opioid use disorder from prior authorization requirements under Massachusetts Medicaid. It directly affects Medicaid patients seeking these specific treatments and healthcare providers prescribing them. The key change modifies the definition of "Step Therapy Protocol" to explicitly exclude opioid use disorder medications, ensuring they are covered without needing separate approval from the state health division. This removes administrative barriers for accessing critical treatment options.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prior authorization barriers for opioid treatment medications, improving patient access to Medicaid-covered care without administrative delays.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3120: An Act relative to gambling addiction

HD 3120 requires medical screenings in specific healthcare settings (such as primary care and mental health services) to include questions about gambling habits and frequency, directly affecting patients and healthcare providers conducting these screenings. It establishes a 13-member special commission with state health officials, gambling treatment experts, and representatives from health insurance and gaming organizations to study problem gambling. The commission will assess current research, review screening practices, develop educational materials, and recommend policies to improve prevention, detection, and treatment of gambling addiction. The commission must file annual reports, with the first due by June 30, 2026, and may propose new legislation based on its findings.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires healthcare screenings for gambling addiction in mental health services, directly integrating into healthcare settings to address a mental health issue.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3398: An Act regarding consistent care for addiction rooted in evidence

This bill requires Massachusetts correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) to incarcerated individuals within 24 hours of admission if clinically indicated, and to maintain the same treatment a person was receiving before incarceration. It prohibits denying or discontinuing MAT due to positive drug screens, disciplinary actions, or other barriers, and mandates access to addiction specialists for ongoing care. The bill also requires re-entry planning at least 120 days before release, including referrals for continued treatment, opioid antagonist doses, and assistance with MassHealth benefits. These changes apply to all state and county correctional facilities and aim to ensure consistent care for people with substance use disorders during and after incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates MAT in correctional facilities, improving rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals aligned with evidence-based treatment standards.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates MAT access within 24 hours and continuity of care for incarcerated individuals, expanding addiction treatment access under healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 623: An Act relative to requiring insurance providers cover a minimum of 30 days for in-patient substance abuse treatment

HD 623 requires insurance companies to cover at least 30 days of in-patient treatment for substance abuse disorders, increasing the current minimum from 14 days. The bill directly affects individuals seeking substance abuse treatment and insurance providers operating under Massachusetts law. It amends multiple sections of the state’s insurance statutes (including chapters 32A, 118E, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G) to replace the figure "14" with "30" in coverage requirements. This is a concrete policy change to expand mandated treatment duration, without altering other insurance terms or creating new programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases minimum insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment from 14 to 30 days, expanding patient access to mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 869: An Act requiring opioid use disorder education

This bill requires all public school districts, charter schools, and approved private schools to integrate opioid use disorder education into existing health curricula. It mandates teaching specific topics, including opioid types, overdose identification, naloxone use and access, reducing stigma around naloxone, and medical amnesty protections for laypeople who assist during overdoses. The education standards must be incorporated into current health classes without creating new standalone courses. The bill does not impose new funding requirements but allows the department to seek external funding for implementation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMedical amnesty protections reduce criminalization of overdose assistance, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing barriers to help during emergencies.80% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates opioid education integration into health curricula, enhancing student health education content and addressing school safety needs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates opioid education in schools covering overdose response, naloxone access, and stigma reduction, advancing public health initiatives95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 863: An Act relative to non-opioid options for chronic pain

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 863) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation relative to coverage for non-opioid pain medications for chronic pain. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for non-opioid chronic pain medications, expanding patient access to alternatives and reducing opioid reliance under health financing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1388: An Act building resilience and increasing access to mental health services

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1388) of Julian Cyr for legislation to build resiliency in communities through mental health. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly increases access to mental health services, directly aligning with support indicators for healthcare funding and patient access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 23, 2026

H 2210: An Act to provide more timely treatment of inpatient mental health care

By Representative Gordon of Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2210) of Kenneth I. Gordon relative to inpatient mental health care treatment. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve timely inpatient mental health care access, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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