States Can Keep Medicaid Waivers to Boost Number of Addiction Treatment Beds

The Trump Administration recently told California, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York they can keep Medicaid waivers that increase the number of addiction treatment beds. The waivers were granted by the Obama Administration.

Seven other states–Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Utah and Virginia—are seeking similar waivers.

Medicaid prohibits the use of federal dollars for addiction treatment provided in facilities with more than 16 beds, Philly.com reports. The provision was intended to promote the expansion of smaller, community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment centers.

The federal government is encouraging all states to seek waivers to the rule, if the care is offered as part of a comprehensive set of addiction services for low-income residents, the article notes.