(a) The General Assembly finds that:(1) Substance use disorder is a significant public health concern in this state;(2) Inpatient treatment for substance use disorders is an essential component of comprehensive care;(3) Currently, inpatient treatment for substance use disorder is primarily funded through federal block grants; and(4) Expanding coverage in the Arkansas Medicaid Program for inpatient treatment for substance use disorder could improve access to care and patient outcomes in this state.
(1) Substance use disorder is a significant public health concern in this state;
(2) Inpatient treatment for substance use disorders is an essential component of comprehensive care;
(3) Currently, inpatient treatment for substance use disorder is primarily funded through federal block grants; and
(4) Expanding coverage in the Arkansas Medicaid Program for inpatient treatment for substance use disorder could improve access to care and patient outcomes in this state.
(b) The Department of Human Services shall:(1) (A) Develop and submit an application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for a demonstration waiver under § 1115 of the Social Security Act, as in effect January 1, 2025, for exclusion of institutions for mental diseases for inpatient treatment services of substance use disorder within the program.(B) The application described in subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section shall:(i) Allow coverage for inpatient treatment of substance use disorder in facilities that qualify as institutions for mental diseases;(ii) Expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder;(iii) Improve care coordination for beneficiaries with substance use disorder; and(iv) Develop intensive outpatient services designed to reduce the need for inpatient treatment services;(2) Consult with relevant stakeholders, including substance use disorder treatment providers, patient advocacy groups, and behavioral health experts in developing the waiver application described in subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section;(3) Implement expanded coverage and services as authorized and approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and(4) Report annually to the General Assembly on the status of the waiver application described under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section, the implementation progress, and outcomes of the expanded coverage.
(1) (A) Develop and submit an application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for a demonstration waiver under § 1115 of the Social Security Act, as in effect January 1, 2025, for exclusion of institutions for mental diseases for inpatient treatment services of substance use disorder within the program.(B) The application described in subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section shall:(i) Allow coverage for inpatient treatment of substance use disorder in facilities that qualify as institutions for mental diseases;(ii) Expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder;(iii) Improve care coordination for beneficiaries with substance use disorder; and(iv) Develop intensive outpatient services designed to reduce the need for inpatient treatment services;
(A) Develop and submit an application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for a demonstration waiver under § 1115 of the Social Security Act, as in effect January 1, 2025, for exclusion of institutions for mental diseases for inpatient treatment services of substance use disorder within the program.
(B) The application described in subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section shall:(i) Allow coverage for inpatient treatment of substance use disorder in facilities that qualify as institutions for mental diseases;(ii) Expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder;(iii) Improve care coordination for beneficiaries with substance use disorder; and(iv) Develop intensive outpatient services designed to reduce the need for inpatient treatment services;
(i) Allow coverage for inpatient treatment of substance use disorder in facilities that qualify as institutions for mental diseases;
(ii) Expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder;
(iii) Improve care coordination for beneficiaries with substance use disorder; and
(iv) Develop intensive outpatient services designed to reduce the need for inpatient treatment services;
(2) Consult with relevant stakeholders, including substance use disorder treatment providers, patient advocacy groups, and behavioral health experts in developing the waiver application described in subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section;
(3) Implement expanded coverage and services as authorized and approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and
(4) Report annually to the General Assembly on the status of the waiver application described under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section, the implementation progress, and outcomes of the expanded coverage.