COVERAGE FOR OPIOID

ADDICTION TREATMENT

House Bill 4403 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Andy Schor

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 4-25-17

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4403 would amend the section of the Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.109) that describes the medical services which may be provided under the act (the Medicaid program). In addition to services such as certain medical, surgical, nursing home, pharmaceutical, and psychiatric services, among others, the bill would require that an eligible individual may receive medically necessary acute treatment services and medically necessary clinical stabilization services for opioid addiction.  These services may include medically necessary inpatient care at an approved facility.  The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The bill is part of a larger effort to combat the opioid epidemic in Michigan and nationwide.  Michigan's October 2015 Prescription Drug & Opioid Abuse Task Force report[1] included a series of findings and recommendations. Among other actions, the task force recommended exploring ways in which Michigan could increase access to care, including wraparound services and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), as indicated by national and state guidelines for treatment. 

Although not defined in the act, "acute treatment services" generally refers to a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week, medically monitored detoxification treatment that provides evaluation and withdrawal management.  "Clinical stabilization services" generally refers to 24-hour, clinically managed detoxification services provided in a non-medical setting, and usually following acute treatment services.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4403 should have no fiscal impact as these services are already covered under Medicaid.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Kevin Koorstra

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.

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