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Video

Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery

B4 - Movement in Medicare: New Policy Developments That Expand Access to Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Care

Monday, April 15, 2024
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM CT
Location: Hall 1, Level 1, ACCC
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This presentation, geared toward substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health providers and advocates, will analyze research on the prevalence of treated and untreated SUD among Medicare beneficiaries. Learn what Medicare covers, including recent policy changes, where gaps remain and recommendations for systemic reform. The presenters will also discuss how the proposed Parity Act’s regulations for commercial insurance would greatly increase access to SUD and mental health care if it, and similar regulations, were extended to Medicare. Attendees will gain knowledge of Medicare’s coverage of SUD and mental health care, the Parity Act and how to advocate for change.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the prevalence of SUD among Medicare beneficiaries, including the prevalence of co-morbid mental health conditions, the high rate at which these conditions go untreated, and the main barriers to treatment.
  • Compare and contrast Medicare’s current and forthcoming coverage of substance use disorder treatment with that of other types of insurance, including Medicaid and private insurance, and with evidence-based practices.
  • Identify legislative and regulatory reforms that would address this disparity and summarize the recent research that supports these proposals to facilitate advocacy.