Congress takes bipartisan action to address drug overdose deaths before Sept. 30 deadline.
House Panel Seeks to Reauthorize Major Addiction Recovery Program
As drug overdose deaths continue to rise across the country, a House panel is taking action to reauthorize a crucial addiction recovery program before it expires in September.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100,000 people die from overdoses each year, making substance use disorder a pressing issue that presents a unique opportunity for bipartisan agreement on policy proposals.
Reps. Guthrie and Kuster Introduce Bill for Reauthorization
Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), both from states heavily affected by the opioid epidemic, have introduced a bill to reauthorize the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act.
This law, originally signed by President Donald Trump in 2018, provides funding for a wide range of programs aimed at combating substance use disorder and conducting research, with a particular focus on community management.
“Addiction and mental health touch every community in our nation — a tragic reality demonstrated by how many Members and staff have been personally impacted by this crisis,” said Kuster, co-chairperson of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, in an interview with the Washington Examiner. “While we have taken great strides to expand access to treatment and recovery resources, these twin epidemics continue to take lives across the country.”
Key Provisions of the Reauthorization Proposal
The reauthorization proposal aims to extend the programs beyond the September 30 deadline, providing funding through 2028. It also includes a significant increase in funding for overdose prevention initiatives, totaling over half a billion dollars per year.
Additionally, the proposal allocates more funding per year for treatment, training, and recovery programs. Notably, it designates over $38 million for treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women, $56 million for first responder training, and $16 million for “building communities of recovery.”
Furthermore, the reauthorization proposal introduces a loan repayment plan for individuals working in the field of addiction treatment. It also offers states the option to lift a Medicaid exclusion that currently prevents reimbursements for inpatient addiction centers with more than 16 beds.
“This comprehensive package brings together members from both sides of the aisle to respond to the complicated challenges of mental health and substance use disorder with a united front,” stated Kuster.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
Next Steps in Congress
Negotiations are still ongoing in Congress, with various proposals being considered. One such proposal, put forth by Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ), suggests allowing prisoners to obtain Medicaid coverage one month before reentering society.
The bill is expected to move through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the coming weeks, while the Senate has yet to release draft legislation, which would come through the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
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