Legislation expands treatment options, removes ban on Medicaid reimbursement at certain facilities
THURSDAY, Oct. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A bipartisan bill meant to combat the United States’ opioid abuse epidemic was signed into law Oct. 24 by President Donald Trump.
The legislation, which also covers other types of substance abuse, expands treatment options and removes a ban on Medicaid reimbursing residential treatment at certain facilities with more than 16 beds, the Associated Press reported. There is also $60 million earmarked for infants who are born drug-dependent and authorization for programs that place drug offenders into treatment instead of in prison.
The legislation also requires the U.S. Postal Service to screen international packages for fentanyl, the AP reported.
Last year, nearly 48,000 people in the United States died of opioid overdoses.
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