Some health care providers and consumer advocates are optimistic about a plan by the state of Kentucky to expand access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services amid the state’s opioid crisis. The expansion, which is tentatively set to begin Monday (July 1), is being done through a portion of the state’s Section 1115 Medicaid waiver, also known as Kentucky HEALTH, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Other parts of the waiver, including its much-debated work or “community engagement” requirements, remain on hold due to litigation. The Cabinet says the waiver will, among other things, expand access to substance-use-disorder providers, allow Medicaid to reimburse for short-term residential stays (up to 30 days) in mental health facilities, and add coverage for methadone, a form of medication-assisted treatment that wasn’t previously covered by Kentucky Medicaid.
Source: Insider Louisville
Read more at: https://insiderlouisville.com/health/states-plan-to-increase-access-to-drug-treatment-sparks-optimism/
