Governor Healey Signs Bill Making Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Support More Affordable and Accessible

Boston - On December 24, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure, which makes treatment and recovery support more affordable and accessible for residents living with substance use disorder. Notably, the legislation expands access to lifesaving opioid reversal medications like naloxone and ensures that they are covered by health insurance. The bill also makes important updates to promote the well-being of infants with prenatal substance exposure and their caregivers. 

“Over the course of my career, I’ve been motivated by those who have tragically lost loved ones to the opioid crisis that is impacting all of our communities. Their stories have served as important reminders of the urgent need to increase treatment, prevention and recovery services to save lives,” said Governor Healey. “I’m proud to sign this bill that will expand access to lifesaving overdose reversal medications and coaching throughout the recovery process. I’m grateful to our partners in the Legislature for their leadership in making sure Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in the fight against the opioid crisis.” 

“The opioid crisis is an issue that touches every single community in our state. We see the way it impacts our friends, families and neighbors, and it’s clear that there is more work to be done to save lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “That’s why our administration is more committed than ever to addressing substance use disorder and preventing overdose deaths. This bill puts Massachusetts in the position to reduce overdoses, expand access to treatment and recovery services, and save lives.”  

“As a practicing physician who primarily treats patients with substance use disorder, I see the comprehensive supports that people and their families need to be successful in recovery,” said Undersecretary for Health Kiame Mahaniah, MD. “Not only does this bill expand access to treatment and supports for people living with SUD, but makes much-needed policy updates that promote the well-being of substance-exposed infants and their caregivers, while centering child safety.” 

“This important legislation reflects an approach to substance use disorder that emphasizes recovery, compassion, and evidence-based care,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “The measures included in this bill will help break down barriers to care and push back against the stigma that hinders far too many from seeking effective treatment and moving toward recovery. Notably, this model of care affirms that the Commonwealth is committed to treating substance use disorder as a public health issue, not as a moral failing. It recognizes that with the right support, individuals can reclaim their lives, families can heal, and communities can thrive.”  

Key provisions from the bill include: 

• Mandates that insurance providers cover opioid reversal drugs and expands access. This bill mandates that all health plans cover emergency opioid antagonists (EOAs) - opioid reversal drugs such as naloxone and Narcan - without cost-sharing or prior authorization. It also requires hospitals and treatment facilities to educate patients on EOAs and prescribe or dispense at least two doses of EOAs to patients with a history of overdose, opioid use, or opioid use disorder (OUD) upon discharge. 
• Prohibits life insurance limits or refusal based on EOA history. This legislation prohibits life insurance companies from limiting or refusing coverage to a person solely because they obtained an EOA for themselves or others.
• Updates insurance requirements for non-opioid pain treatment. The bill updates requirements for insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage and access to pain management services without prior authorization, including non-opioid alternatives to pain treatment.
• Mandates insurance coverage for recovery coaches. The bill mandates all health plans cover recovery coach services without cost-sharing or prior authorization at no less than MassHealth rates, regardless of the setting in which the services are provided.
• Establishes recovery coaching licensure. This legislation establishes recovery coach licensing and oversight within DPH and codifies the practice of recovery coaching to ensure qualifications, proper use of titles, and compliance with DPH regulations. It also directs BSAS to study and report on barriers to certification, credentialing, and other employment and practice requirements for recovery coaches, while also ensuring timely and standardized licensure and renewal processes and establishing a peer support program for recovery coaches and their employers that includes mentorship, technical assistance, and other resources.
• Creates protections for harm reduction measures, which establishes a criminal and civil liability protections for people who, in good faith, provide or utilize fentanyl test strips or other drug testing equipment.
• Updates policy for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure.? The bill mandates a collaborative approach to conducting comprehensive assessments of how substance use may affect parental capacity and infant safety, prioritizing family unity and access to appropriate support systems. A parent who is stable in recovery will no longer automatically require a report for abuse or neglect. 

“Too many families have known the pain of substance use disorder and, tragically, the loss of a loved one because of it,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Opioids have stolen life from parents, children, siblings, and friends. The legislation approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor makes powerful strides towards mitigating this crisis by helping those coping with substance use disorder reduce harm, find treatment, and achieve recovery that lasts a lifetime. I am grateful for the work of Senators Crighton and Velis, my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House and the Administration on this vital bill.” 

“As families across Massachusetts know all too well, the impact of opioid addiction can be utterly devastating for the individual and for their loved ones, which is why a continued focus on combating substance use is a critical responsibility that we have as elected officials,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, as well as Chairman Madaro and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for reforms that will help those dealing with addiction on their journey to recovery.” 

“This comprehensive legislation will save lives across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). “Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders, we have created a multi-pronged approach to bolster care, encourage recovery, and prevent overdose fatalities. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration and our legislative colleagues for their commitment and partnership throughout this legislative process.” 

“As Attorney General, Governor Maura Healey was at the forefront of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in triggering the opioid crisis. I’m pleased and grateful to see her continue to support individuals with substance use disorder by signing this bill, which will expand access to essential treatment and services. I look forward to working with her administration to oversee the implementation of these impactful initiatives in the days and months ahead,” said Representative Adrian Madaro, House Chair, Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery (D-East Boston). 

“The tragic truth is that most people in our Commonwealth know someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction, and it is truly heartbreaking how many loved ones we continue to lose to substance use disorders every year," stated Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery. "The legislation signed today not only bolsters access to life saving overdose reversal tools but also expands access to recovery coaches, vital providers who understand what it is like to navigate recovery because of their lived experiences. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and all of the advocates and individuals with lived experiences who have so worked tirelessly on this legislation that will save and change countless lives.” 

“This legislation continues the Commonwealth’s dedication to addressing the opioid crisis by reducing stigma and providing the necessary support for those in recovery. I want to thank the Speaker for his commitment to those impacted by opioid addiction and Chairman Madaro for his dedication to getting this bill passed,” said Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley).  

“I am pleased that the committee was able to get this done before the end of the year and very happy that Governor Healey is acting quickly to sign the bill. So many people have worked tirelessly on addressing the substance abuse problems that plague our state, and it is great to see the Governor take a step towards resolving the issue by pushing forward with this bill,” said Representative Michael Soter (R-Bellingham). 

"I am happy to have played a role as one of the final six legislators who negotiated the contents of this bill," said Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). "This is a very comprehensive, impactful bill devoid of controversy that will no doubt save lives at a very important time in history and a bill that the vast majority of the citizens of the Commonwealth can support." 

Statements of Support 

Maria Mossaides, Director, The Commonwealth’s Child Advocate: 

“We are thrilled that the Governor has signed this legislation to end requirements for healthcare providers to automatically report birthing parents to DCF for the use of prescribed medication for substance use disorder. The OCA has worked hard for years on this issue, and we are grateful for the bill’s passage. This legislation helps create a balanced approach to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect while supporting their parents in their recovery journey. We need to support those who are making healthy decisions for themselves and their children, and this bill helps do that.”  

Rachel Gwaltney, Executive Director of The Children’s League of Massachusetts:

“The Children’s League is thrilled to see this bill signed, which takes important steps toward keeping families out of the child welfare system. Ending the practice of automatically reporting to DCF mothers who are taking medication prescribed by their doctor to treat SUD, and improving timely access to SUD treatment and recovery programs across Massachusetts will address one of the most common root causes of child abuse and neglect cases and will ultimately keep more families stable and healthy.” 

Sarah Wakeman, M.D., Senior Medical Director for Substance Use Disorders, Mass General Brigham:

"This legislation is a testament to our collective commitment to treating substance use disorder with compassion and evidence. As an addiction medicine physician, I see firsthand the transformative impact that access to treatment, recovery supports, and overdose reversal medications can have on patients and their families. With this bill, the Commonwealth takes a critical step forward in addressing substance use disorder as a treatable, good prognosis medical condition, ensuring individuals and their families receive the care they need to heal and thrive while strengthening our communities. While we have more work ahead of us to ensure we are implementing every proven intervention to prevent overdose, this legislation is a critical step forward.”