Washington, DC
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6.
It has become all too clear the ongoing opioid epidemic has gripped our nation’s families and communities. It crosses social spectrums and is a public health, safety and economic crisis.
In Massachusetts in 2016, there were 2,083 confirmed cases of opioid-related overdose deaths. That is a 26% increase from 2015 and a 54% increase from 2014. In 2017 there was a small decrease, but clearly there is still a strong need to address this devastating trend.
This week, the House has considered opioid bills in Committee and on the Floor, but most of these bills do little to expand treatment options or expand care. However, a number of Democratic priorities are included in H.R. 6 that do provide options. For example, it incorporates a bill I introduced that would expand Medicare coverage for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). Currently, Medicare does not cover this sort of treatment. This would give Medicare beneficiaries access to a broad range of treatment options leading to opportunities for lasting recovery.
Although many think of opioid use disorders as a problem faced by young people, many may be surprised to learn that it is rapidly growing among Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Part D spending on opioids far outpaces enrollment, growing 165% from 2006 to 2015. In 13 states, the over 65 population has the highest rate of opioid-related inpatient stays.
H.R. 6 also expands coverage of medication assisted treatments and allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe or dispense certain opioid treatment drugs. The measure also provides consistent Medicaid coverage for at-risk youth and expands Medicaid coverage for foster youth until age 26.
These bills are pieces of a large, complex puzzle. We need to find realistic solutions with long term outcomes. Part of that approach is to protect and strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA guarantees parity and non-discrimination for people who need substance use disorder and mental health treatment. Thanks to the ACA, millions of previously uninsured adults now have access to health insurance and it also expands Medicaid.
Republicans are determined to make severe cuts to Medicaid. Just this week, they unveiled a new Budget Resolution that again proposes draconian cuts to the program that provides the bulk of all treatment for substance use disorders in the United States.
Instead of strengthening and ensuring a sustainable future for the ACA and Medicaid, Republicans want to cut them to pay for their $2.3 trillion tax plan. Efforts to sabotage the ACA coupled with premium hikes, slashing preexisting condition protections and increasing drug prices leads to more and more uncertainly.
Dismantling current health benefits would damage any progress to curb the opioid crisis. It would also increase health care costs and lower coverage and quality for Americans and their families.
I also urge my colleagues to recognize that many families are devastated by addiction to other substances beyond opioids.
And the impact of the opioid crisis on the labor participation rate is just as concerning. According to a recent report, the economic burden from opioids was estimated to be $95 billion.
Mr. Chairman, the American people are facing a two pronged obstacle—health coverage uncertainty thanks to the ongoing Republican efforts to sabotage the ACA and finding answers to an unprecedented drug epidemic. They are desperate for help and we have the ability to provide it.
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