HHS increases opioid MAT funding

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced it is making additional funding available through SAMHSA to states and community health centers to expand the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.

SAMHSA is awarding up to $11 million annually to 11 states to enhance and expand their treatment service systems.

Additionally, in response to requests from states and stakeholders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering state Medicaid programs a new opportunity to receive federal funding through a demonstration project that reimburses for substance use disorder treatment. This will help states implement innovative treatment approaches, including developing effective care coordination models.

HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell’s evidence-based opioid initiative focuses on three targeted areas: informing opioid prescribing practices, increasing the use of naloxone, and expanding the use of medication-assisted treatment to treat opioid use disorder. The Obama Administration has proposed investments in the FY 16 budget to intensify efforts to reduce opioid misuse and abuse.

For more information on the SAMHSA grant awards, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/awards/mat-pdoa

For more information on the Secretary’s Opioid Initiative, visit:https://aspe.hhs.gov/sp/reports/2015/OpioidInitiative/ib_OpioidInitiative.cfm