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AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human has announced funding to further expand access to medication-assisted treatment for the uninsured dealing with opioid-use disorder.
Beginning on Jan. 1, an additional 359 MAT slots will be created across the state.
“The department is committed to focusing on proven, evidence-based treatment options that will provide the best results for an individual. Each of these 359 slots will include medication along with therapy. Through the work of this department we believe these slots will help to nearly eliminate the current waitlists for medication-assisted treatment.” said Commissioner Mary Mayhew.
The department will spend $2.4 million to create the 359 new MAT slots. The funding will mostly come from the Substance Abuse General Fund and a small amount from the Federal Substance Abuse Block Grant.
Currently, there are 215 medication-assisted treatment slots for the uninsured funded by the DHHS’s Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. During the state’s 2016 fiscal year, approximately 8,627 individuals received MAT services through both SAMHS and MaineCare.
Through the Office of SAMHS, the department underwent a thorough review to evaluate the current need for medication-assisted treatment. The results showed approximately 300-450 individuals with opioid-use disorder seeking, but unable to receive MAT services in the state of Maine.
“We must remember, although substance use disorder is one of the bigger problems facing our nation, there remains a stigma associated with it that stops many from seeking help. So while many might be dealing with a substance use disorder, they may not yet be ready to enter treatment or may not see their issue as a problem,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christopher Pezzullo.
ON THE HORIZON:
* SAMHS will continue to work with other providers in the Downeast region and western portion of the state to provide additional MAT slots.
* Beginning in February, nurse practitioners and physician assistants will be able to prescribe buprenorphine, once training requirements are met. Under the waiver, they would be able to treat up to 30 patients.
* By spring of 2017, DHHS, Penobscot County Jail and Penobscot Community Health Care will begin a Vivitrol pilot program targeting women in Penobscot County jail.
ONGOING DEPARTMENT EFFORTS:
* Promote MAT by assisting rural providers to serve up to 1,000 uninsured individuals with outpatient and intensive outpatient services
* Launch of the Maine Enhanced Parenting Project designed to support 250 vulnerable and at-risk families annually by co-locating parenting education and substance abuse services
* $1.1 million contract to start and fund a new social detox center in Bangor with capacity to serve 760 individuals through Wellspring
* RFP will soon be released for six new recovery centers statewide
* Funded and finalized a contract to create a women’s residential treatment facility with 10 beds apiece for women and their children, located in the Bangor area
* Implemented new rules to require methadone clinics to incorporate therapy into an individual’s treatment plan
* Expansion of the 24/7 211 help line connecting those with substance use disorders to treatment
