CMS approves Medicaid waivers to treat substance use disorders

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last week approved Section 1115 waivers allowing Minnesota and Nebraska to implement demonstration projects to increase access and treatment for Medicaid beneficiaries with opioid and other substance use disorders. Both states will receive Medicaid matching funds for treatment in facilities that meet the definition of an institution for mental diseases, which include hospitals and other residential treatment facilities with more than 16 beds that are primarily engaged in diagnosis, treatment or care of persons with mental diseases. CMS outlined additional waiver opportunities last November for states to treat SUDs and mental illness.