U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen has introduced a new bill in Congress aimed at incentivizing states to offer drug abuse treatment through Medicaid. The bill would make it easier for states to cover inpatient hospital stays or residential treatment for drug abuse by ensuring that the federal government covers 90% of new costs in the first five years after a state adopts the program.
Currently, Medicaid does not cover drug treatment, and states must request coverage through a waiver system. The bill introduced by Pettersen would remove this barrier by allowing states to begin offering Medicaid-covered treatment without seeking a waiver.
Pettersen, whose mother is in long-term recovery from heroin use, emphasized the importance of access to resources and support for people struggling with substance use disorder. The bill comes amid a national overdose crisis, with over 107,000 Americans fatally overdosing last year.
The unveiling of the bill in Denver came shortly after Overdose Awareness Day, with Denver activists calling for additional action to address the crisis. Rob Valuck, head of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, highlighted the need for Medicaid to cover drug abuse treatment, as it can save states money in criminal justice and health care costs.
While passing substantive drug policy through the current Congress may be challenging, Valuck emphasized the importance of covering drug abuse treatment under Medicaid to prevent people from seeking care in emergency rooms or ending up in jail. The new bill introduced by Pettersen aims to address these issues and provide critical support for those struggling with substance abuse.
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