ASAM Urges Congress to Undermine Drug Cartels by Protecting Medicaid Expansion for Americans Battling Addiction

On March 31, ASAM sent a letter to Congressional leadership calling on them to reject proposals to reduce Medicaid's federal reimbursement rate for Medicaid Expansion. The letter argues that Medicaid Expansion, and the coverage it provides for Americans with substance use disorders (SUD) who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level, is a lifeline for many people on the path of recovery. It also simultaneously undermines the drug cartels' business model by decreasing demand for illicit drugs. 

In the letter, ASAM also rejects proposals to use work requirements as a cost-cutting measure. Instead, evidence-based treatment and incentives for more employers to provide health insurance - with SUD and mental health benefits for all their employees - not more bureaucratic hurdles and paperwork, is the solution.

Read the full letter here.