Impact of Changes in Financing on Publicly Funded Methadone Maintenance Treatment

ABSTRACT Cost cutting measures implemented to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) in 2003 included the elimination of the chemical dependency treatment benefit for the Medicaid expansion population. Study results indicate that removal of this benefit decreased methadone treatment providers' capacity to provide treatment and retain OHP patients and dramatically impacted patients' quality of life. In contrast, Washington's Medicaid cost containment measures had little impact on the financing of publicly funded methadone treatment. Due to a variety of measures, methadone maintenance treatment increased in Washington. Results have important implications for those advocating for greater access to publicly funded methadone treatment and for state policymakers considering Medicaid cuts to chemical dependency treatment services.