Medicaid now covers substance abuse treatment

Starting July 1, Medicaid covers treatment for substance use disorder in New Hampshire.

Prior to that date, only participants in New Hampshire's expanded Medicaid program were eligible for substance use disorder treatment.

In 2015, budget writers included a mandate for Medicaid to cover substance use disorder treatment, but the state has been waiting until there is an adequate network of treatment centers.

"As the state continues to provide additional resources and expand treatment capacity, this is an important milestone in New Hampshire’s response to the opioid addiction crisis," said Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers. 

The Union Leader reports that there may still be a shortage of treatment availability, however, with waiting lists at several treatment centers.