Latest news with #SubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdministration
Health Line
a day 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.
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Trump will end crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. But L.A. has options for those in need
A national hotline will no longer provide services specifically for LGBTQ+ youths in crisis. The Trump administration is ending that support next month. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has counselors for anyone in emotional distress or contemplating suicide but also has connected LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained counselors. Research has shown this population experiences significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation. But that specialized service will end July 17. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which funds the 988 hotline, said in a statement that callers would no longer have the option to 'press 3' for LGBTQ+-specific services. The agency said it would not 'silo LGB+ youth services' but rather focus on serving all who are seeking help. For members of the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles, there are other options, with specifically trained mental health counselors. But advocates for the 988 service say its loss will leave a hole in crisis intervention. This is one more way that people are going to feel like they're not seen, aren't sure of where to reach out for help or don't feel safe enough to seek support, said Terra Russell-Slavin, chief impact officer with the Los Angeles LGBT Center. They noted that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announcement used the acronym 'LGB+.' Despite trans youth being a group vulnerable to suicidal ideation, they said, 'they literally ... removed the word 'trans' from the purpose of the hotline.' In less than 30 days, the program that 'has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people' nationwide will no longer be available for those who need it,' said Jaymes Black in a statement. Black is chief executive of the Trevor Project, which has been providing counseling targeted at LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 hotline since 2022. '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,' Black said. Linda Yoon, founder of Yellow Chair Collective, said the Trevor Project has been a lifesaving resource for many queer youth, including some of the collective's clients. The group provides LGBTQ+ affirming counseling among other services and focuses on providing mental health support for Asian American and multicultural populations. 'Losing that federally funded support is incredibly concerning,' Yoon told The Times. 'These specialized services exist for a reason — they meet needs that general services often overlook or are unequipped to address.' Queer youth experience significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, experts say. More than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously consider suicide each year, and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds, according to the Trevor Project. Yoon and her team see youths in crisis in their clinical work. 'Many of our LGBTQ+ youth clients come in with more complex, high-risk cases,' she said, 'especially when they come from unsupportive or unsafe family environments — which, unfortunately, still happens far too often.' More than 50 queer youths seek services from Yellow Chair Collective per year, and many are looking for support after a crisis or when they've struggled to access the care they need elsewhere. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was a resource that the collective made known to clients. Going forward, the group will refer them to the Trevor Project, which Yoon said would continue to offer crisis support independently, 24/7. The Trevor Project can be reached at (866) 488-7386. You can also text or chat. In 2022, about 17 years after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched with a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 988 began the pilot phase of its specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. At the time, the Trevor Project served as the sole provider of the services. Eventually it was one of seven centers providing help. Last year, according to the Trevor Project, its counselors helped an estimated 500,000 people — nearly half of whom came through the 988 hotline. At the local level, the Los Angeles County Mental Health Department offers a crisis helpline that's staffed 24/7 to connect residents with resources including mental health professionals with specific training and programs designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Yoon still fears the consequences of losing the 988 service for high-risk queer youth. Its help has been not only tailored but also prompt. 'We know in a crisis being able to respond within a timely manner is very important,' she said. As for Russell-Salvin, they worry about the moment of crisis, when the right contact can make all the difference. They fear that having to find a new, appropriate number to call could be one obstacle too many. 'All of those things are just going to create more barriers,' they said, 'and those barriers are part of what's contributing to the harm.' Los Angeles County's Alternative Crisis Response: Through this program, you can access the county's 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771 to connect with culturally responsive services and resources, including mental health professionals specifically trained and programs that are specially designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Trevor Project: The project provides crisis services and peer support nationwide. You can access services by texting 'START' to 678-678, calling the hotline at (866)-488-7386 or by live chatting with a professional online. Trans Lifeline: The grassroots hotline and nonprofit organization offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. You can call the hotline, (877) 565-8860, Monday through Friday for assistance between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pacific. There are certain holidays that the hotline is closed; a complete list can be found online. Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline: DEQH offers free, confidential, culturally sensitive peer support, information and resources for LGBTQ+ South Asian individuals and families. You can get in touch with trained volunteers by filling out an online form or by calling (908) 367-3374 on Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Pacific. Los Angeles LGBT Center: At its 10 locations, the center offers housing, legal aid, healthcare and mental health services to youth and adults who identify as part of the queer and trans communities. A full list of services can be found online or by calling (323) 993-7400. APLAHealth: At eight locations in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the provider offers healthcare, mental health, food, housing and other support services to the LGBTQ+ community. You can make an appointment for a specific service online. Yellow Chair Collective: The team is trained in and practices culturally responsive, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming counseling and psychotherapy services. The practice specializes in serving Asian American and multicultural clients. You can learn more about their services or schedule an appointment online. Planned Parenthood: Participating locations provide mental and physical health resources for LGBTQ+ community members. Resources include support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 21 and gender-affirming healthcare. You can view all services and make an appointment at a local healthcare facility online. CalHOPE: California offers online mental health support for youth and young adults through CalHOPE at (833) 317-4673; callers can also find guides to queer specific mental health services.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
"Devastated and heartbroken": Trump cuts LGBTQ+ youth services on 988 suicide hotline
The Trump administration has removed the "Press 3 option" from the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline. The "Press 3 option" was available since 2022 for LGBTQ+ callers looking to speak with a mental health provider specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health care. The service will be shut down formally on July 17. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said it was ending the service to "focus on all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option." The statement also said that the hotline will "no longer silo" what it called "LGB+ services," notably missing the T. "I am devastated and heartbroken," said Jaymes Black, CEO of advocacy organization The Trevor Project, in a video posted to Instagram. "Half a million LGBTQ young people reached out to 988 last year and pressed 3," Black said. "They found trained hearts waiting to help." Black described the "lifeline" for youths in crisis as being "cut" by SAMHSA. The Trevor Project was the contracted third party used by the hotline to provide the "press 3 option." In its statement, SAMHSA noted that the federally allocated $33 million for the option in 2024 was entirely spent by June 2025. It describes the funds as having gone to "support the subnetworks" of the service. "Your life has meaning," Black said in the video, speaking to LGBTQ+ youth. "You are our future, and we will never stop fighting for you."
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Trump administration's big crackdown on LGBTQ youth suicide hotline amid Pride month. Check details
The Trump administration is terminating a part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth — known as 988 option 3, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced. The Trump administration has given a crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth 30 days to shut down. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer use its LGBTQ youth services, also known as the 'Press 3 option,' effective July 17, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said in an announcement on Tuesday. The agency said those who contact 988 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." ALSO READ: Juneteenth 2025: From Texas to Washington, check 10 best places to celebrate with amazing activities across US Trump admin's big move against LGBTQ The Trump administration will shut down the national LGBTQ youth suicide lifeline in 30 days. Though the White House had signalled earlier that it would no longer fund the LGBTQ youth service, 'Press 3 option,' of the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline starting in 2026. It had said funding for the rest of this year would remain unchanged. Live Events Started as a pilot program in 2022, the "Press 3 Option" was unveiled in a government contract with the Trevor Project , a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ in need of help would call 988 and be given the option to 'press 3' to connect with counselors trained to assist people up to age 25. The nation's 988 hotline brings critical access to care for those battling mental health emergencies. Nationwide, calls increased 40% soon after the three-digit number was officially launched in 2022. ALSO READ: Juneteenth federal holiday in US: Check what's open and closed The SAMHSA said in a statement that the decision was made to 'no longer silo' the services and 'to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option.' The development comes as the US Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors on Wednesday. 'Federal funding in FY24 for the Press 3 services increased to $33 million. As of June 2025, more than $33 million in funds have been spent to support the subnetworks, fully expending the monies allocated for 988 Lifeline LGB+ subnetwork services.' What did the Trevor Project say? The Trevor Project said it received official notice Tuesday that the program was ending. The nonprofit is one of seven centers that provides 988 crisis support services for LGBTQ+ people — and serves nearly half of the people who contact the lifeline. ALSO READ: Amazon's 30-day deadline to employees amid mass layoff fear: Resign in 60 days or... 'This is devastating, to say the least. Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,' said Jaymes Black, the Trevor Project's CEO. '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 news comes in the middle of Pride Month, which Black called "callous." He also criticized "the administration's choice to remove the 'T' from the acronym 'LGBTQ+' in their announcement," saying, "Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased." Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump administration to end LGBTQ+-specific crisis hotline
The Trump administration is cutting a program for LGBTQ+ youth from the national suicide and crisis hotline. SAMHSA will end the service, known as the "Press 3" option, on July 17, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced this week. The Trevor Project, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group that works with the government to help administer the Press 3 option for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, warned that the decision could have grave consequences. 'This is devastating, to say the least,' Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said in a statement Wednesday. 'Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. 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.' SAMHSA said the decision was made to maximize efficiency, writing in a statement Tuesday that it would no longer 'silo LGB+ youth services' with a focus on instead 'serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option.' '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,' Black said. A 2024 survey from the Trevor Project found that nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ+ young people had 'seriously considered' suicide in the past year. And half of the survey's respondents who reported wanting mental health care in the previous year had not been able to access it. The LGBTQ+ hotline has received roughly 1.3 million calls since its pilot program in 2022. At least one Republican, Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, has come out against the decision. "This is wrong," Lawler wrote on X. "According to studies, LGBTQ+ young people have an elevated risk of suicide and are more likely than their peers to attempt it. We should ensure they have the resources necessary to get help. The 988 hotline has been a lifesaver. This decision should be reversed." When asked for comment, the White House referred POLITICO back to SAMHSA's statement from Tuesday. HHS had already proposed removing funding for the hotline in its fiscal year 2026 budget.
