Signed by Gov. Maura Healey last week, the state mandated that insurance providers cover overdose reversal drugs like naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan.
Approved by the Legislature earlier this month and was signed into law on December 23, the “Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Coverage and Recovery Coach Licensing Act” requires all Massachusetts health plans to cover overdose reversal drugs without cost sharing or prior authorization.
Naloxone is the most well-known of these, but other options are also emerging on the market, such as nalmefene.
In March 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray. Today, through a standing order from the Department of Public Health, naloxone is available at many pharmacies and stores throughout the statewith or without a prescription.
Massachusetts and the nation experienced an overall drop in overdose deaths last year for the first time in five years, and many point to expanded access to opioid reversal drugs, among other public health measures, as a likely reason.
In June, the Reports from the Department of Public Health had distributed more than 196,500 naloxone kits (two doses per kit) since 2023, resulting in at least 10,206 overdose reversals.
The bill requires pharmacies in high-overdose areas to maintain a constant supply and must report whenever there are problems in the supply chain that prevent it.
“I am proud to sign this bill that will expand access to overdose reversal medications and training throughout the recovery process,” Healey said in a statement. “I am grateful to our partners in the Legislature for their leadership in ensuring that Massachusetts remains a national leader in the fight against the opioid crisis.”
Dr. Sarah Wakeman, senior medical director of substance use disorders at Mass General Brigham, said she sees firsthand the “transformational impact” overdose reversal medications can have on patients and their families.
The legislation also requires hospitals and treatment facilities to educate patients about opioid reversal drugs or dispense at least two doses to patients with a history of overdose, opioid use, or opioid use disorder after from discharge
It also prohibits life insurance companies from limiting or denying coverage to a person solely because they obtained an opioid investment drug for themselves or others.
Republican reporter Dave Canton contributed to this story.