policy
ACAP Statement to E&C on The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018
Statement for the Record by the
Margaret A. Murray, CEO Association for Community Affiliated Plans
for the
House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee’s Hearing
entitled
“Combating the Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients”
April 11, 2018
Chairman Burgess, Ranking Member Green, Members of the Subcommittee:
On behalf of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, please accept this statement for the record on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s efforts to address America’s devastating opioid and substance use disorder crisis and for the hearing entitled, “Combating the Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients.” As organizations on the front lines of health care in this country, America’s Safety Net Health Plans stand prepared to help Congress and maximize the potential in Medicare and Medicaid to address this crisis. We applaud Congress’ attention to this important issue.
ACAP represents 61 member plans in 29 states serving more than 20 million Americans receiving coverage through Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare Advantage D-SNPs, and the
Health Insurance Marketplaces. Our members serve almost 1 of every 2 Medicaid enrollees in managed care, and our qualified health plan (QHP) members have seen
substantial increases in coverage provided to enrollees in the Marketplaces nationwide. Collectively, our Safety Net Health Plan members serve nearly half of a million enrollees in stand-alone CHIP programs as well as many additional children in Medicaid expansion CHIP.
States and the Federal government have turned to managed care organizations (MCOs) to provide coordinated care services for people who rely on publicly-sponsored health
coverage programs. Because of their prominent role in coordinating care for Americans enrolled in these programs, Safety Net Health Plans are uniquely situated to provide high value care coordination for individuals in need of treatment for substance use disorders. Access to coverage (along with comprehensive, integrated physical and behavioral health care) is essential to address the needs of those suffering from mental illness and/or substance use disorders (SUD). Unfortunately, cost is one of the key barriers to treatment for the SUD-impacted population and the importance of Medicaid coverage for the low income adult population is essential to helping address this crisis.
As the normal course of operations, Safety Net Health Plans assess member needs, identify treatment gaps, engage members, encourage medication adherence, develop
individualized care plans, and coordinate care. These programs are particularly important to facilitate integrated physical and behavioral health care and social services for
enrollees with substance use disorders.