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CMS Releases State-Level Guidance to Fight Opioid Epidemic

CMS recently unveiled new guidance that it said will provide states with “flexibilities and the tools necessary to combat the opioid crisis,” specifically, in the areas of neonatal abstinence syndrome and Medicaid technology, according to a press release.

“State-level innovation, including in the use of prescription drug monitoring programs and electronic health records, has been and will be a key piece of ending this crisis,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in the release.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome

The agency said the guidance provides information on interventions such as skin-to-skin contact, little stimulation, quiet environments, swaddling and other environmental approaches it called “critical first line care” for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

The guidance also permits states to request coverage of costs for first-time or recurring substance use disorder in mothers and fathers who are eligible for Medicaid at the same time as their infant’s treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Medicaid technology

The agency also said the guidance provides information on which funding authorities may support health information technology efforts such as virtual treatment centers, remote counseling, prescription monitoring plans, and shared electronic care plans that could be used for the prevention and treatment of negative opioid outcomes.

The guidance singles out telemedicine and prescription monitoring tools as useful in fighting the opioid epidemic.

“[This] guidance further builds on CMS’ commitment to provide states with the tools and approaches available within the Medicaid program to accelerate states’ ability to respond to the national opioid crisis,” Tim Hill, acting director for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, said in the release. “By leveraging and improving the technological capabilities of state Medicaid programs, we are providing Medicaid agencies, providers, and patients with the tools they need to improve health outcomes associated with addiction.”

For more information:

Medicaid.gov. CMCS Informational Bulletin on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Critical Role for Medicaid in the Care of Infants https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib060818.pdf. Accessed June 11, 2018.

Medicaid.gov. Leveraging Medicaid Technology to Address the Opioid Crisis. https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/smd18006.pdf. Accessed June 11, 2018.

Disclosure: Hill is acting director for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, Azar is HHS Secretary