HHS announces funding, Medicaid guidance to combat substance use disorders

The Department of Health and Human Services Saturday announced funding and a Medicaid demonstration opportunity to help states treat substance use disorders. Eleven states will receive up to $33 million in grants from HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration over three years to increase access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, the first of which were awarded. In addition, the Health Resources and Services Administration this week will announce $100 million in funding to expand substance use disorder services, with a focus on medication-assisted treatment for opioid disorders, HHS said. States also may propose Section 1115 demonstration projects to support a full continuum of services for Medicaid enrollees with substance use disorders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced.