White House Unveils Opioid Initiative

President Trump today announced an initiative to address the opioid crisis focused on education, awareness and preventing overprescribing; developing non-addictive alternatives to opioids; cutting off the flow of illicit drugs; and expanding opportunities for proven treatments. Addressing an audience in New Hampshire, he said the administration will “seek legislative changes to the law prohibiting Medicaid from reimbursing residential treatment at certain facilities with more than 16 beds” and, in the meantime, “continue approving state Medicaid demonstration projects that waive these barriers to inpatient treatment,” both actions that AHA supports. Chairmen of relevant committees in Congress have said they plan to enact comprehensive legislation by Memorial Day. AHA last week submitted policy recommendations to House Ways and Means Committee leaders as they begin developing Medicare-related legislation on the issue, and has submitted recommendations to other committees of jurisdiction as well. On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold the first of two days of hearings on more than 20 bills aimed at combatting the opioid crisis.