ASAM & NNESAM Comment on Proposed MaineCare Rules

ASAM & NNESAM Comment on Proposed MaineCare Rules

On July 21, ASAM and NNESAM submitted a comment letter to MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, critiquing proposed changes to its regulations that govern opioid addiction treatment. The issue was brought to ASAM’s attention and the letter spearheaded by NNESAM Past President Dr. Mark Publicker, who has worked tirelessly in Maine to ensure patients can access the treatment they need.

The letter details our shared concerns about the impact of the proposed changes on access to care. In particular, we were concerned about new treatment requirements for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and physicians who offer office-based opioid addiction treatment without accompanying increases in reimbursement rates. Unfunded mandates like the ones proposed could force practices out of business and serve as disincentives for those considering offering addiction treatment. The letter also calls on MaineCare to distinguish between the very different treatment modalities and settings its was proposing to regulate, rather than applying the same requirements to OTPs and individual physicians.

ASAM stands ready to help its Chapters advocate for state policies that promote access to evidence-based treatment, and to fight policy proposals that would hinder access. As we did in Maine, we will often call on your state medical society to help as well, as they can be invaluable partners with the local connections and resources to make a big impact. If an issue arises in your state and you would like the ASAM Advocacy Team to help you respond, please let us know by reaching out to Susan Awad, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations, at 301-547-4103 or sawad@asam.org.