New state law requires insurers to cover inpatient drug rehab

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A new law that goes into effect on Oct. 1 requires insurance companies to cover up to 14 consecutive days of inpatient treatment and stabilization services for Massachusetts residents who are struggling with addiction. In the past, insurers have not been required to cover these services, and if they have done so, they have determined the length of stay. The new law allows the treating clinician to determine medical necessity and the appropriate length of stay, up to 14 days. Also Thursday, the state senate plans to take up legislation focused on prevention and education efforts intended to diminish demand for heroin and addictive prescription painkillers associated with a continuing spike in overdose deaths in Massachusetts, according to the State House News Service.