George Holding: “I would like to highlight the importance of medication-assisted treatment in combating the opioid epidemic. This…”

“I would like to highlight the importance of medication-assisted treatment in combating the opioid epidemic. This epidemic has pervaded all populations, including our seniors. Medicare beneficiaries have among the highest and fastest rate of opioid use disorder, yet they do not currently have coverage for the most effective treatment. The SUPPORT Act, which will be before the House today, would change that. This bill provides for a fully coordinated, bundled-care model that will help patients through medication-assisted treatment, which combines the use of medication with counseling, group therapy, and drug testing. Just this week, the NIH released a study that found delivering medication-assisted treatment to patients following an opioid overdose dropped the death rate by 59 percent. The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis also cited the value of medication-assisted treatment in reducing overdoses and relapses while retaining patients in a treatment program. For example, a constituent named Jeff from North Carolina became dependent on opioids after a difficult back surgery. He initially tried to stop cold, but went into withdrawal and relapsed. Fortunately, Jeff was able to receive treatment from the Goldsboro Comprehensive Treatment Center where he went through counseling. His progress was monitored, and monthly drug screens kept him accountable. He--Jeff--now says that his life has changed 100 percent for the better.…”