New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR85

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

Requests President and Congress take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

Impact

If enacted, SCR85 could significantly influence state laws governing Medicaid and substance use disorder treatment in New Jersey. The resolution underscores the financial limitations imposed by the IMD exclusion, which prevents reimbursement for in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation programs classified as IMDs. This situation means states often bear the full financial burden of providing necessary treatment for residents afflicted with substance use disorders, leading to gaps in care and potential crises in communities.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 85 (SCR85) requests that the President and Congress of the United States take definitive action to allow federal Medicaid funding for specific substance use disorder programs. This resolution addresses provisions of the existing Medicaid program, which has historically prohibited reimbursement for care delivered in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs), primarily affecting individuals suffering from substance use disorders. By appealing to national legislators, the resolution seeks to bring change that supports invaluable addiction treatment options.

Conclusion

SCR85 represents a critical call to action for federal change that could facilitate better access to rehabilitation for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. By eliminating or altering the IMD exclusion, New Jersey could harness federal support to alleviate the financial burden currently faced by the state and enhance the delivery of care for substance use disorders. This resolution aligns with ongoing national conversations about mental health stigma, treatment accessibility, and the necessity of robust support systems for individuals in recovery.

Contention

Notable contentions surrounding SCR85 stem from the historical context of the IMD exclusion, which was originally designed to allocate responsibility for funding mental health services primarily to states. Proponents may argue that repealing, amending or expanding the definitions within this framework is crucial for equitable health care delivery for addiction treatment. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of increasing federal involvement in state-managed healthcare systems, potentially complicating existing frameworks.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR57

Carry Over Requests President and Congress to take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR57

Requests President and Congress to take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

NJ SCR54

Urges U.S. President, Congress, and Department of Health and Human Services to ease patient limits applicable to private physicians prescribing buprenorphine as part of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders.

NJ S4043

Increases access to substance use disorder treatment; Requires Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations.

NJ A5354

Increases access to substance use disorder treatment; Requires Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations.

NJ SB242

Relating to residential substance use disorder programs

NJ SCR213

Requesting The Department Of Health To Restore Funding To Certain Substance Use Disorder Treatment Organizations That Provide Services For Residential, Outpatient, And Adult And Adolescent School-based Programs In Fiscal Years 2022-2023 And 2023-2024.

NJ SR206

Requesting The Department Of Health To Restore Funding To Certain Substance Use Disorder Treatment Organizations That Provide Services For Residential, Outpatient, And Adult And Adolescent School-based Programs In Fiscal Years 2022-2023 And 2023-2024.

NJ S137

Establishes Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy to oversee, direct, and coordinate resources, funding, and data tracking concerning treatment of substance use disorders.

NJ S319

Establishes Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy to oversee, direct, and coordinate resources, funding, and data tracking concerning treatment of substance use disorders.

NJ A1886

Establishes Office of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders Policy to oversee, direct, and coordinate resources, funding, and data tracking concerning treatment of substance use disorders.

Similar Bills

NJ SCR57

Requests President and Congress to take action to permit federal Medicaid funding for certain substance use disorder programs.

US HB7282

Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act

UT HB0413

Medicaid Amendments

MS HB317

Medicaid; require managed care organizations to use certain level of care guidelines in determining medical necessity.

MS HB425

Medicaid; require managed care organizations to use certain level of care guidelines in determining medical necessity.

MS HB187

Medicaid; require managed care organizations to use certain level of care guidelines in determining medical necessity.

MS HB423

Medicaid; require managed care organizations to use certain level of care guidelines in determining medical necessity.

WV SB292

Allowing doula services be covered by Medicaid and PEIA