End Substance Use Disorder Applauds U.S. House Passage of Overdose Prevention Bill

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act. The legislation includes the Medicaid Reentry Act, a key policy needed to prevent overdoses among individuals who experience incarceration. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement:

“We should all have access to the medical support we need to be well. We commend the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation today that can save thousands of lives from overdose by extending basic healthcare to people experiencing incarceration,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “This common-sense legislation will help ensure that justice-involved people can secure recovery and contribute to their communities, while reducing crime and criminal justice costs. We call on the U.S. Senate to pass this bill with the urgency needed to address the overdose crisis.”

Medicaid does not cover individuals who are incarcerated today. As a result, most people with substance use disorder who are incarcerated lack access to the treatment needed to support their rehabilitation Due to this lack of treatment, the risk of overdose skyrockets upon release.

The Medicaid Reentry Act, sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), will expand Medicaid funding to cover people who are within 30 days of being released from jail or prison. This expanded funding will allow correctional facilities to provide medication-based treatment and other behavioral health services that can support recovery.