Latest news with #SAMHSA
Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover Opioid Treatment Programs?
Original Medicare covers opioid treatment programs (OTPs) for opioid use disorder (OUD) from Part B. The program must be government-certified and accredited by an independent, government-approved accrediting body. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a severe medical condition that can affect people psychologically and physically. Help is available from many healthcare professionals, clinics, and facilities, with some offering OTPs. Medicare covers eligible treatments for OUDs. However, if you choose an OTP, you may have fewer out-of-pocket costs. Medicare coverage and opioid treatment programs (OTPs) For an OTP to be eligible for coverage through Medicare, it must be Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) certified and have accreditation from a SAMHSA-approved body. If you receive Medicare-approved OTP services from a facility or healthcare professional enrolled in Medicare, you will not typically have to pay any copayments. However, you must pay the Part B deductible for OTP supplies and some medications. If you receive the same services through a doctor or another healthcare professional, you must pay the 20% Part B coinsurance after you've paid the $257 deductible. If you're eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you will pay $0 for the services you receive through your state Medicaid program. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have the same coverage rules as Original Medicare. However, you may have network restrictions based on your plan type. Medicare's OTP services Medicare covers different services under its OTP benefit, including: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications, including opioid agonists like methadone and opioid antagonists like naltrexone substance misuse counseling, including individual and group sessions periodic assessments intensive outpatient programs peer recovery help services toxicology tests referral services coordinated care Original Medicare Part B will cover some of the prescription medications you may be given. However, you may need a Part D prescription drug plan for others. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan must include drug coverage for some medications to be covered. Medicare and OTP eligibility Anyone with OUD is eligible for an OTP, and doctors look for specific symptoms when diagnosing the condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that healthcare professionals should confirm a diagnosis of OUD using a checklist. This list derives from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). You may also require blood or urine screenings that check for opioids and assess whether you are at risk of addiction. »Learn more: Risk Factors for OUD Support for opioid use disorder Seeking help for addiction can feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations are there to help. If you believe that you or someone close to you is displaying signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice: SAMHSA: 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Frequently asked questions Below are some common questions about OUD and OTP treatment services. Does Medicare pay for opioid treatment? Yes, both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans pay for eligible costs relating to the diagnosis and treatment of OUD. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans also cover the costs of some OUD medications. Out-of-pocket costs may apply, and depending on their plan, you may have to visit in-network doctors and facilities. Yes, both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans pay for eligible costs relating to the diagnosis and treatment of OUD. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans also cover the costs of some OUD medications. Out-of-pocket costs may apply, and depending on their plan, you may have to visit in-network doctors and facilities. What is the new treatment for opioids? In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injections to treat moderate to severe OUD. Brixadi (buprenorphine) is available in either a weekly or monthly injection. Which one a doctor gives you will depend on whether you are new to the medication. In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injections to treat moderate to severe OUD. Brixadi (buprenorphine) is available in either a weekly or monthly injection. Which one a doctor gives you will depend on whether you are new to the medication. What is the gold standard treatment for opioid use disorder? Research from 2023 confirms that the 'gold standard' evidence-based medication treatment for OUD is methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. Research from 2023 confirms that the 'gold standard' evidence-based medication treatment for OUD is methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. What are opioid treatment programs? Opioid treatment programs are purpose-driven treatment plans for OUD. OTPs typically involve a combination of different therapies, including talking therapies, prescription medications, periodic assessments, and peer support. Opioid treatment programs are purpose-driven treatment plans for OUD. OTPs typically involve a combination of different therapies, including talking therapies, prescription medications, periodic assessments, and peer support. Summary If you have Original Medicare, Part B covers opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in full if you have opioid use disorder (OUD) and meet eligibility requirements. People with Medicare Advantage plans have the same coverage but may need to visit in-network doctors or healthcare facilities. If you have OUD, you can recover, and help is available through your healthcare team, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-4357, or through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Where LGBTQ+ youth in L.A. can find mental health support right now
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced last week that it will phase out the 'Press 3' option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which had previously directed LGBTQ+ youth to specialized counselors. The change is part of a broader restructuring aimed at integrating services and providing a unified response for all individuals seeking mental health support. In a statement, SAMHSA said it would no longer silo services for 'LGB+ youth' and instead consolidate resources to support all help seekers through a single point of access. Notably, the agency's updated language referred only to 'LGB+' individuals, omitting the 'T' that typically stands for transgender, drawing scrutiny from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. 'Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress,' the agency said. 'Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.' Prior to the 'Press 3' option was introduced, the Trevor Project—an organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ young people—was the sole provider of the service. It has since become one of seven organizations that make up the LGBTQ Youth Subnetwork. Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, called the decision 'devastating' and criticized what they described as a politically motivated rollback of an evidence-based, bipartisan support system. 'Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,' Black said in a statement. 'The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible. The fact that this news comes to us halfway through Pride Month is callous — as is the administration's choice to remove the 'T' from the acronym 'LGBTQ+' in their announcement. Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased.' The lifeline has served more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth since its inception, according to the Trevor Project. Black emphasized that the organization's own counselors remain available around the clock and encouraged youth to reach out directly. 'I want every LGBTQ+ young person to know that you are worthy, you are loved, and you belong – despite this heartbreaking news,' Black said. 'The Trevor Project's crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been, to help you navigate anything you might be feeling right now.' The Trump Administration's change to the 988 lifeline will take effect in less than 30 days. In the meantime, LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and advocates are being urged to explore alternative mental health resources, and for Angelenos there's various options available. For those in the Los Angeles area, the following organizations provide inclusive, culturally competent mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The following list was curated by the Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles County's Alternative Crisis Response: Access the county's 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771 for culturally responsive mental health professionals trained to serve LGBTQ+ individuals. The Trevor Project: Offers nationwide crisis services and peer support. Reach out by texting 'START' to 678-678, calling (866) 488-7386, or visiting for live chat support. Trans Lifeline: A nonprofit staffed by trans individuals, providing emotional and financial support. Call (877) 565-8860, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline (DEQH): Offers support to South Asian LGBTQ+ individuals. Call (908) 367-3374 on Thursdays and Sundays, 5 to 7 p.m. PT, or submit a request online. Los Angeles LGBT Center: Provides housing, legal aid, healthcare, and mental health services. Visit or call (323) 993-7400. APLA Health: With eight locations in LA and Long Beach, APLA offers comprehensive health and support services. Appointments available online. Yellow Chair Collective: Specializing in culturally responsive, LGBTQ+-affirming counseling, especially for Asian American and multicultural clients. More info at Planned Parenthood: Some centers offer gender-affirming care and mental health support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 21. Visit for locations and services. CalHOPE: A state-run resource offering free mental health support and links to LGBTQ+-affirming services. Call (833) 317-4673 or visit As national infrastructure shifts, mental health professionals and advocates emphasize that timely, culturally competent care remains essential—particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, who continue to face elevated risks of depression, anxiety and suicide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Bipartisan House coalition demands RFK Jr. reverse Trump's plan to end LGBTQ+ suicide prevention hotline
A bipartisan group of U.S. House lawmakers is urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to block the Trump administration's plan to eliminate the LGBTQ+ youth services within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—an emergency support network that has served more than 1.3 million contacts since its full implementation in 2023. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. The Wednesday letter, signed by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, New York Republican Michael Lawler, Massachusetts Democrat Seth Moulton, and Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, calls on Kennedy to stop a 30-day phaseout announced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on June 17. According to internal agency guidance, the LGBTQ+-specific branch of the hotline, which allows callers to 'press 3' to connect with affirming counselors, is set to be dismantled by July 17, according to SAMHSA. Related: Advocates and health experts worry Trump's suicide prevention hotline cuts will increase LGBTQ+ youth deaths 'This is not some kind of hotline set by a liberal Democratic administration,' Krishnamoorthi said in an interview with The Advocate Thursday morning. 'It was actually signed into law by President Trump. Various Republicans in the Senate and the House supported it.' Since the line became fully operational in 2023, he noted, 'it has received an astonishing 1.3 million calls, texts, and other forms of communication' and was 'averaging 2,900 contacts every day' as recently as February. Krishnamoorthi, who serves as a ranking member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, raised the issue sharply during a Wednesday hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion policy rollbacks. 'In the name of expunging DEI, the Trump administration has lurched from the farcical to the cruel,' he said, highlighting the crisis line's termination as an especially harmful example. 'These actions are wrong, but do not compete in cruelty with the ending of a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.' The LGBTQ+ subnetwork of 988 was developed under a bipartisan mandate to offer tailored support to high-risk groups, much like the veteran-specific track within the program. In addition to young people, it has provided critical services to adults experiencing distress related to anti-LGBTQ+ violence, legislation, and rejection. Related: Trump administration finalizes plan to eliminate LGBTQ+ 988 crisis services during WorldPride At the hearing, Krishnamoorthi pressed conservative legal activist Daniel Lennington on whether he disputed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from the Trump administration showing LGBTQ+ youth face significantly higher suicide risk. Lennington replied he was 'not aware of anything to do with the suicide hotline,' prompting Krishnamoorthi to respond, 'That's the problem—a lack of awareness.' Krishnamoorthi told The Advocate that the decision to eliminate the program was driven by the Trump administration's broader campaign against diversity and inclusion initiatives. 'Eliminating this lifeline is cruelty because you are essentially discontinuing a service that saves lives,' he said. 'In the name of fighting DEI, they're going to cause a lot of young people to DIE.' Krishnamoorthi warned that 'especially now, during a time when the LGBTQ+ community at large feels tremendous pressure,' the need for the hotline may be 'much higher than it was before.' Krishnamoorthi emphasized the rare bipartisan nature of the letter to Kennedy. 'It's hard to get bipartisan letters, let alone legislation, on topics involving the LGBTQ+ community,' he said. 'But this one touches a nerve. I think that young people, whoever they are, still occupy a soft corner in people's hearts regardless of ideology.' The Trump administration's move, first reported in The Advocate in April, was confirmed in the FY2026 budget released during WorldPride in Washington, D.C. Mental health advocates and LGBTQ+ organizations have condemned the proposal as reckless and dangerous. Mark Henson of The Trevor Project previously told The Advocate the 988 LGBTQ+ subnetwork is 'a vital tool' that serves more than 60,000 young people each month. Without it, advocates warn, those calls may go unanswered—or be routed to general crisis lines lacking LGBTQ+ expertise. In response to a question about his message to young LGBTQ+ people, Krishnamoorthi said he's met with young people and their parents and understands their pain. 'We've got to band together at the state level, at the local level to protect whatever rights we can. We must continue to fight for change in the future,' he said. Krishmamoorthi added, 'If we can rally around a group of people, it would be our young people.' If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at or text START to 678678. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Bipartisan House coalition demands RFK Jr. reverse Trump's plan to end LGBTQ+ suicide prevention hotline Advocates and health experts worry Trump's suicide prevention hotline cuts will increase LGBTQ+ youth deaths The Trevor Project Extends 988 Crisis Line Partnership to Support Vulnerable LGBTQ+ Youth
Buzz Feed
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Dax Shepard Recalls Eric Dane Fight At AA Meeting
It sounds like Dax Shepard's relationship with Eric Dane got off to a seriously rocky start. For context, Dax and Eric are two actors who have both talked openly about navigating addiction struggles in the past. And as they were both in the midst of their sobriety journeys a few years ago, they found themselves attending the same Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at their shared sponsor's house in Bel Air. During this week's episode of Dax's Armchair Expert podcast, AA wound up being a big topic of conversation as he was joined by Brad Pitt, another star who's been open about giving up alcohol in the past decade. And so, as the men reflected on their experiences with AA, Dax recalled a heated moment between himself and Eric. 'Eric Dane, who I now fucking love, I have such a sweetness for him now… But when we first were around each other, it was not good,' Dax began, recalling that the altercation kicked off after Eric 'threatened a dude' who was continuously resetting the timer while someone else was talking. '[Eric] goes, 'If you hit that timer again, I'm gonna fucking throw you in that candle,'' Dax recounted. 'And I go, 'That's it, motherfucker. Stand up, let's go outside.' I'm gonna beat the fuck out of him in Tom's driveway — at an AA meeting where we're coming for healing and understanding.' Looking back, Dax laughed at the absurdity of it all, saying, 'It's quite a hilarious beginning for us, because now I love him.' As you may know, this isn't the first time we've heard this. Dax and Eric actually talked about it together during a June 2024 episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, in which Eric told his side of the story. 'Somebody I brought to the meeting with me was sharing and just did not stop, and there's a timer, and Dax's friend, his sponsee, actually, who I didn't know, was running the timer and he kept resetting the timer to, like, 15 seconds every time this guy would go over,' he recalled, admitting that the person he brought 'probably shouldn't have been at that meeting' for one reason or another. 'I was not in the best space, let's just say that,' Eric added, joking that Dax probably would've beaten him if they'd actually come to blows. 'I may not have even been sober at the time.' Well, that's one way to start a friendship! You can listen to Eric's episode of Armchair Expert here, and the most recent episode with Brad Pitt here. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and find more resources here.
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
5 surprising stats on alcohol use disorder
5 surprising stats on alcohol use disorder Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious and often misunderstood condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Despite alcohol's cultural normalization, AUD contributes to a staggering number of deaths each year and poses a major public health threat. Stigma, misinformation, and a lack of access to care continue to obscure who is affected, the role of co-occurring mental health conditions, and what treatment and recovery can look like. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 178,000 people die each year from excessive alcohol use. These deaths stem both from the effects of chronic alcohol use, including conditions like liver disease, heart disease, and certain cancers, and from acute consequences of binge drinking, such as motor vehicle crashes, overdoses, alcohol poisoning, and suicide. Alcohol-related death statistics Alcohol-related deaths are also rising. Between 2016 and 2021, deaths linked to alcohol increased by 29%, according to the CDC. This jump reflects a 27% increase in alcohol-related deaths among boys and men, and a 35% increase among girls and women, though men still account for a higher total number of deaths. The data underscores a concerning trend: excessive drinking, whether chronic or episodic, is becoming increasingly deadly across all demographics. The financial toll of alcohol use is also massive. According to federal estimates, substance misuse costs the U.S. about $740 billion each year in areas like lost productivity and healthcare. Alcohol use alone accounts for $249 billion of that total, including $27 billion in direct healthcare costs. To better understand the scope of this crisis, Charlie Health examined some of the most striking AUD statistics, from rising rates of alcohol misuse to the possible genetic components of AUD. We also share how people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), including AUD, can access compassionate, evidence-based care. 1. Just over one in 10 Americans struggles with AUD According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), just over one in 10 people age 12 or older (10.6%) had AUD in the past year. That amounts to 29.5 million people. While this staggering number highlights how common AUD is across all age groups, there are some populations that are more at risk than others. The percentage of people who had AUD in the past year was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25, about 1 in 7 of whom (15%) struggled with the condition, according to the SAMHSA (that's 5 million people). 2. Teens with depression might be more likely to struggle with alcohol misuse Data consistently shows that mental health and alcohol misuse are closely linked, especially during adolescence, a critical period for emotional development and risk-taking behaviors. According to the SAMHSA, teens ages 12 to 17 who had a major depressive episode in the past year were more than twice as likely to binge drink than those who didn't (6.7% compared to 3.1%, respectively). SAMHSA defines binge drinking as consuming more than four or five alcoholic drinks within a couple of hours on at least one day in the past month. 3. Adults with mental health conditions might binge drink at higher rates Similar links between mental health conditions and alcohol misuse are seen among adults. SAMHSA data shows that adults with mental health conditions were more likely to binge drink alcohol than those without. In fact, over half of adults with any or a serious mental health condition were binge drinkers compared to just 21% of those without a mental health condition. 4. There might be genetic risk factors for AUD Recent genetic research has begun to identify specific genetic variants linked to addiction risk. The 2023 study discovered 19 DNA changes affecting overall addiction susceptibility, including nine tied specifically to alcohol. Understanding these genetic factors may pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments. 5. Most people with SUDs don't get the treatment they need Despite how common substance use disorders (SUDs) are, most people who need care don't get it. In 2023, an estimated 54.2 million people needed treatment - but only 23% received it, according to American Addiction Centers. This treatment gap highlights not just the scale of the crisis, but the systemic barriers - like stigma, cost, and limited access - that continue to prevent people from getting help. Expanding access to affordable, evidence-based care is essential. This story was produced by Charlie Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Stacker Media, LLC.
