The Massachusetts Medical Society wishes to be recorded in support of House 1002, “An Act Relative to Enhancing Access to Mental Health Treatment. This bill would repeal Section 304 of Chapter 224 of the Acts of 2012 which allows health insurers to delay implementation of new utilization review requirements until 10/1/2015.
Chapter 224 requires carriers and utilization review organizations to make utilization review criteria accessible on the organization's website and prohibits carriers or utilization review organizations from implementing new requirements or restrictions until its website has been amended to reflect the change. Unfortunately, these provisions are not effective until October 1, 2015, as provided for in Section 304. This bill would repeal that delayed implementation date, thus requiring compliance immediately. The MMS believes these transparency provisions are important to health care consumers and will improve access to necessary health care and behavioral health services. Health plans should not delay implementation until 2015. House 1002 will accomplish that goal by repealing Section 304 of Chapter 224.
