H 1379
An Act exempting medications used for the treatment of opioid use disorder from the prior approval process under the Massachusetts Medicaid program
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would change the process for getting medications used to treat opioid use disorder covered by Massachusetts Medicaid. Currently, these medications require prior approval from the state, which can delay access for patients. This bill aims to streamline this process, making it easier for individuals with opioid use disorder to receive the medications they need.
Key provisions
- Exempts medications for opioid use disorder from the prior approval process.
- Applies to medications covered under the Massachusetts Medicaid program.
- Aims to reduce barriers to treatment for opioid use disorder.
- Relies on existing Medicaid coverage rules for these medications.
Who is affected
- Individuals with opioid use disorder in Massachusetts.
- Healthcare providers prescribing medications for opioid use disorder.
- Massachusetts Medicaid recipients.
- The Massachusetts Medicaid program.
Notable changes
- Removes a prior authorization requirement for certain opioid use disorder medications.
- Potentially improves access to treatment for this population.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Michael P. Kushmerek
Cosponsor
Michael P. Kushmerek
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1379 194th (Current)
An Act exempting medications used for the treatment of opioid use disorder from the prior approval process under the Massachusetts Medicaid program
By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1379) of Michael P. Kushmerek relative to exempting medications used for the treatment of opioid use disorder from the prior approval process under the Massachusetts Medicaid program. Health Care Financing.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Michael P. Kushmerek Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Fiscal Note Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1379
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/24/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/01/2025 from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM in Gardner Auditorium |
| 9/15/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 3/19/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Monday, June 15, 2026 |
| 4/16/2026 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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