Substance Use Disorder
State Medicaid programs cover substance use disorder treatment and supportive services to varying degrees. They are working to integrate care for physical health and treatment for substance use disorders across providers and with other social programs. They also are implementing programs to reduce opioid overprescribing in order to prevent opioid use disorder from developing in the first place. Many of these efforts are being undertaken in conjunction with other state and federal initiatives.
Learn More about These Topics
- Section 1115 waivers for substance use disorder treatment
- Payment for services in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs)
Featured Publications
Utilization Management for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Medicaid
October 29, 2026
In this session, staff provided information about states’ use of utilization management policies for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). MACPAC analyzed states that made their utilization management policies for oral buprenorphine less restrictive over time (e.g., removed prior authorization or increased the daily dosage limit) using the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) data. […]
Utilization Management for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Medicaid
September 24, 2026
MACPAC is continuing its work to examine access to MOUD for Medicaid enrollees. MACPAC’s work in this area explores whether utilization management strategies allow states and managed care plans to control costs and prevent misuse while maintaining appropriate and timely access to MOUD. Specifically, we focus on three utilization management strategies commonly applied to MOUD: […]
June 2025 Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP
June 10, 2025
MACPAC’s June 2025 Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP contains five chapters of interest to Congress:
Chapter 1 makes recommendations on transitions from pediatric to adult care for Medicaid-covered children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).
Chapter 2 focuses on appropriate access to residential behavioral health treatment services for children.
Chapter 3 describes findings from the Commission’s […]