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COSAM Supports Higher Reimbursement for Addiction Treatment in Jails
On February 24, the Colorado Society of Addiction Medicine (COSAM) sent a letter of support for HB26-1063 to members of the House Committee on Health and Human Services. This legislation would improve Medicaid reimbursement to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) administering medications for addiction treatment in jail settings.
In the letter, COSAM stressed the importance of expanding addiction treatment in jails. Specifically, COSAM noted that individuals involved with the justice system are at elevated overdose risk. Medications for addiction treatment like methadone and buprenorphine have proven to reduce overdose rates significantly. Expanding access to these life-saving medications in jails is an important policy that will improve health outcomes for incarcerated individuals. COSAM praised the bipartisan sponsors of HB26-1063 for demonstrating their commitment to saving lives in Colorado. COSAM also urged members of the committee to advance this important legislation.
Read the letter
