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Feds approve expanded substance use disorder help in Maine

Feds approve expanded substance use disorder help in Maine

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AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The federal government has approved a Maine plan to expand substance use disorder treatment options in the state, officials have said.

The expansion applies to members of MaineCare, which provides assistance to people with limited resources.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday the federal government has signed off on its request to expand treatment options for MaineCare members and improve access to substance use disorder treatments.

The health department said the feds have also approved its plan to bridge medical and behavioral health care.

Substance use disorder treatment facilities will also be able to serve more people by adding treatment slots, the department said.

Treatment facilities with more than 16 beds will now have access to federal Medicaid reimbursement, it said.

Health department commissioner Jeanne Lambrew said the changes will “lead to more residential options for Maine people with substance use disorders in the near future.”

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