S.2072 - Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency Savings Act; MORE Savings Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency Savings Act" (MORE Savings Act) aims to improve access to opioid use disorder treatments. It focuses on reducing cost-sharing under Medicare and requiring coverage for medication-assisted treatment, overdose reversal medications, and recovery support services in health plans. The bill also proposes an enhanced federal match for medication-assisted treatment and recovery support services under Medicaid.
Expected Effects
This bill would likely increase the utilization of evidence-based opioid treatments by removing financial barriers. It would also expand the availability of recovery support services. The changes to Medicare, Medicaid, ERISA, and the Public Health Service Act would lead to broader coverage and reduced out-of-pocket costs for individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorders.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to opioid use disorder treatment and recovery services.
- Reduced financial burden for individuals seeking treatment through elimination of cost-sharing.
- Enhanced support for states in providing medication-assisted treatment under Medicaid.
- Improved health outcomes and reduced overdose deaths related to opioid use.
- Promotion of community-based recovery support services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in healthcare costs due to expanded coverage and reduced cost-sharing.
- Possible administrative challenges in implementing the new coverage requirements across different health plans.
- Risk of increased demand for services exceeding available resources in some areas.
- The selection of only 15 states for the Medicare model may create disparities in access to care.
- Potential for fraud and abuse related to the expanded coverage of services.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on healthcare access and public health aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to healthcare through the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as it affects interstate commerce. The expansion of Medicaid and Medicare falls under Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).