Connecticut House Bill HB05232

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 2/20/20

Caption

An Act Concerning A Minimum Base Rate For Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend existing provisions regulating Medicaid reimbursements for methadone maintenance programs. This legislation is particularly significant as it seeks to ensure a steady baseline of funding for these essential treatment services, potentially improving access for beneficiaries who rely on Medicaid. By mandating a minimum reimbursement rate, the bill aims to alleviate the financial strain on these providers, which is crucial given the ongoing opioid crisis and the rising need for effective addiction treatment services.

Summary

House Bill 05232 seeks to establish a minimum reimbursement rate for methadone maintenance treatment under Medicaid. The bill specifies that the reimbursement rate will be set at $88.52 per week for providers certified by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and compliant with all related state requirements. This move is aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by treatment providers while ensuring that individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction have access to necessary services.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 05232. Some stakeholders might argue that while establishing a minimum reimbursement rate is beneficial, linking reimbursements to performance measures could incentivize better outcomes in treatment, thereby ensuring proper accountability. Critics of the bill's approach may feel that removing performance measures might lead to complacency among treatment providers and could affect the quality of treatment services. The debate over the most effective way to manage funding in substance abuse treatment continues to be a focal point as this bill moves through the legislative process.