Many states are applying for five-year waivers to receive federal funds for inpatient treatment of adults age 21-64 in Institutions of Mental Disease (IMDs) with more than 16 beds. Washington State received federal approval of an amendment to their existing Medicaid waiver last week. The waiver amendment will allow the state to maintain and expand access to inpatient and residential treatment.

Federal legislation to address opioid addiction is advancing in both the House and Senate. A comparison of the House’s HEAL Act and the Senate’s SUPPORT Act is available here.