Bill > LD604

This bill addresses access to substance use disorder treatment for MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid) recipients by prohibiting the Department of Health and Human Services from preventing or restricting patients from simultaneously receiving methadone maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder and participating in intensive outpatient programs or other outpatient services for substance use or behavioral health disorders. Methadone maintenance is a medically supervised treatment that helps individuals with opioid addiction manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, while intensive outpatient programs typically provide structured counseling, therapy, and support without requiring full-time residential treatment. The bill requires the department to develop and implement rules to support this policy within 90 days of the section's effective date, classifying these rules as routine technical rules, which means they will follow standard administrative rulemaking procedures. By ensuring concurrent treatment options, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive and flexible care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient support.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=604&snum=132