HB 17-1351 Summary

• Requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to prepare a written feasibility report by November 1, 2017 on providing residential and inpatient substance use disorder treatment through the Medicaid program or as a state-funded benefit.

• Report must analyze treatment prevalence, evidence-based practices, costs, eligibility criteria, federal authorizations needed, and potential impact on Medicaid clients, emergency room visits, law enforcement, and recidivism.

• Departments must submit recommendations to the General Assembly regarding implementation timeline, state and federal funding coordination, necessary legislative changes, and training requirements for addiction counselors.

• Appropriates $37,500 from the general fund to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing for the 2017-18 fiscal year, with an additional $37,500 anticipated from federal funds.

• Section 25.5-4-214 is repealed effective July 1, 2019; $37,500 transfer from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund occurs June 30, 2018.