The bill amends sections of the General Laws concerning insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. It mandates that group health plans and individual health insurance plans provide coverage for these treatments under the same terms as other medical conditions, prohibiting any annual or lifetime dollar limitations. The bill introduces new provisions requiring payors to rely on criteria that reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage for mental health treatment. Additionally, it specifies that payors cannot modify clinical criteria to reduce coverage for mental health treatment below these established standards.

Furthermore, the bill includes definitions for key terms such as "generally accepted standards of care," which encompasses recognized standards in relevant clinical specialties, and outlines the classifications for coverage requirements. It emphasizes parity in cost-sharing for behavioral health services compared to primary care visits and ensures access to evidence-based, non-opioid treatments for pain management. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the commitment to equitable treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in insurance policies.