Private health-insurance companies in Massachusetts will cover methadone treatment for people recovering from drug addiction starting this summer.
Previously methadone treatment was covered by only some private plans and all Medicaid plans.
Lora Pellegrini, president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, says there’s growing evidence that methadone is an effective treatment for people suffering from addiction.
"It’s one more piece of the puzzle, one more tool in the toolbox for providers to use with their patients when they’re thinking about an appropriate treatment option,” she said.
Pellegrini says other medications for opiate addiction like suboxone and vivitrol are already covered.
