Ways and Means Committee Issues Opioid White Paper

House Ways and Means Committee leaders today released a white paper summarizing stakeholder recommendations for Medicare-related legislation to address the opioid crisis, which the committee plans to use to develop and advance bipartisan policies. The committee in February requested feedback on specific questions related to overprescribing, data tracking, beneficiary notification, provider education, and treatment options. “We are hopeful this legislation will touch on many of the stakeholder recommendations, including but not limited to those related to Medicare treatment options/coverage, improving data tracking/prescribing practices, and educating providers and beneficiaries about the risks of long-term opioid use,” the white paper states. AHA submitted its policy recommendations to the committee last month.