Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) announced that the Massachusetts Legislature has approved legislation to combat the opioid crisis and support residents living with substance use disorder (SUD).
The bill, H.5143, An Act Relative to Treatments and Coverage for Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Coach Licensure, expands non-opioid pain treatments, establishes licensure for recovery coaches, and provides support for pregnant individuals and their children affected by substance exposure. It also increases access to opioid-reversal drugs like naloxone.
In 2023, 2,125 people in Massachusetts died from overdoses, 232 fewer than in 2022, according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). Naloxone has reversed more than 10,000 overdoses statewide since 2023.
“Substance use disorder has devastated individuals and families across the Commonwealth,” Lovely said. “This legislation significantly expands treatment options, including access to critical opioid-reversal drugs, to help those in need.”
Key Provisions of the Legislation
The bill mandates health insurance coverage for opioid-reversal drugs, such as naloxone and Narcan, without cost-sharing or prior authorization. Hospitals and treatment facilities must educate patients about these drugs and prescribe or dispense at least two doses to at-risk individuals upon discharge. Pharmacies in high-overdose areas must stock both over-the-counter and prescription versions of opioid-reversal drugs.
Additional insurance provisions include:
- Prohibiting life insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals who obtain opioid-reversal drugs.
- Preventing medical malpractice insurers from discriminating against health care providers offering harm-reduction services.
- Expanding coverage for non-opioid pain treatments and incorporating these alternatives into provider training.
Protecting Public Health and Recovery
The bill strengthens anti-discrimination protections for people with SUD and ensures they are not penalized for lawfully using medication-assisted treatments. Public health and harm-reduction organizations are protected from professional disciplinary action or liability when offering drug-checking services. Individuals seeking treatment from these organizations are also shielded from criminal liability.
For pregnant individuals on medication for SUD, the legislation clarifies that encountering a substance-exposed newborn does not automatically prompt a referral to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). It directs DCF to create regulations for the care and treatment of such newborns.
The bill also establishes licensure for recovery coaches, overseen by the DPH, and requires insurance coverage for their services.
Statements from Legislators
Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) emphasized the bill’s impact: “This legislation is a powerful step toward mitigating the opioid crisis, helping individuals find treatment and recovery.”
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy) echoed the sentiment: “This bill reflects our commitment to addressing opioid addiction and supporting recovery for individuals and their families.”
Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) described the legislation as “comprehensive” and credited collaborative efforts across the Legislature for its passage. Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, highlighted its focus on expanding access to life-saving tools and recovery resources.
Representative Adrian C. Madaro (D-Boston), House chair of the committee, thanked advocates and health care professionals for their contributions, adding, “This legislation will save lives and reduce stigma.”
Next Steps
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for her signature.
