Sen. Maggie Hassan cautions against Medicaid cuts jeopardizing addiction treatment

In New Hampshire and across the United States, rising concerns about fentanyl addiction have prompted discussions around the future of Medicaid funding, particularly under the Trump administration. A report by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee indicated that potential cuts to Medicaid could impact over a million Americans currently receiving treatment for opioid and fentanyl addiction. As the rates of overdose deaths began to decline nationally, many experts stressed the critical role that Medicaid Expansion has played in facilitating access to high-quality addiction treatment over the last decade, particularly since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. Experts noted that Medicaid covers nearly 90% of these treatments, which could be compromised if funding is slashed. Observations from various stakeholders emphasize that any drastic rollbacks in Medicaid funding could not only diminish the progress achieved in addressing addiction but could also exacerbate the suffering of families affected by substance use disorders across the nation. Lawmakers and advocacy groups including the American Society of Addiction Medicine have strongly urged the importance of maintaining, if not expanding, Medicaid coverage as it underpins evidence-based treatment options while simultaneously undermining the financial model operated by drug cartels. The ongoing discussions around Medicaid have highlighted the urgency for bipartisan action to protect those at risk, as harsh cuts could lead to a resurgence in fentanyl-related fatalities, reversing years of hard-won advancements in treatment accessibility in the fight against substances like fentanyl. As Republican lawmakers continue to propose budgetary restrictions, critics have raised alarms over the proposed changes and their potential consequences on addiction recovery efforts. The political landscape continues to evolve, and voices advocating for cautious decision-making stress that the health and safety of thousands depend on these critical healthcare services remaining intact.