The proposed bill amends various chapters of the General Laws related to health insurance by introducing a new requirement for coverage of buprenorphine. Specifically, it mandates that every individual or group health insurance contract, plan, or policy that provides prescription coverage and is delivered, issued for delivery, prescribed, or renewed in the state on or after January 1, 2026, must include coverage for at least one type of buprenorphine for each form of administration. Importantly, the bill stipulates that there shall be no copayment required and no deductible that needs to be met by the contract, plan, or policy within a twelve-month plan year, although a deductible may be applied for health plans paired with federally qualified health savings accounts.

The bill is structured to amend multiple chapters, including those pertaining to Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies, Nonprofit Hospital Service Corporations, Nonprofit Medical Service Corporations, and Health Maintenance Organizations, all of which will incorporate the new buprenorphine coverage requirement. The legislation allows for the possibility of health plans implementing this benefit prior to the mandated effective date of January 1, 2026. Overall, this act aims to enhance access to buprenorphine treatment, which is crucial for individuals dealing with opioid dependence.