Cuts to Medicaid Could Affect Access to Substance Use Treatment

Practice

Medicaid is an insurance plan that provides access to care for 78 million people, including those with limited income; children and families; pregnant women; people with disabilities; and individuals in long-term care facilities. Medicaid also offers access to medical care and substance use treatment.

The tax and spending bill signed into law on July 4 reduces federal spending for the program by an estimated $911 billion over the next 10 years, which may affect Medicaid’s ability to provide services to individuals with mental health and substance use conditions, says Makeba Royall, LCSW, senior practice associate with NASW. She drafted a document that outlines the role of Medicaid assistance for those dealing with substance use disorders and examines the potential impacts of the budget cuts on these services.

“As social workers we are tasked to manage an already difficult, complex and underfunded crisis,” she states. “As we navigate the multitude of changes happening during this presidential term, our advocacy efforts will be essential to the profession and the communities in which we serve.”

She urges social workers to closely watch any changes that occur, both nationally and at the state level.

Read the report at socialworkers.org/practice/tips-and-tools-for-social-workers.