Around the Agencies

• NIDA releases 2014 Monitoring the Future data on youth substance use trends
• NIDA requests public input on 2016-2020 strategic plan – NASADAD to consider a response
• SAMHSA announces prevention grant opportunity for States and tribes
• SAMHSA releases clinical guide on injectable naltrexone for opioid treatment
• SAMHSA releases report on Medicaid coverage and financing of medications to treat substance use disorders
• SAMHSA releases brief on co-occurring borderline personality disorders and substance use disorders
• CDC releases data on alcohol poisoning deaths from 2010-2012

In the News

• Studies estimate impact of ending subsidies in federal insurance marketplaces

Upcoming Events

• January: CMS announces series of webinars on the Affordable Care Act

Around the Agencies

NIDA releases 2014 Monitoring the Future data on youth substance use trends
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released the data on December 16^th. The 2014 data shows no major increases in drug use between 2013 and 2014 – namely use of alcohol, cigarettes, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs either held steady or declined among U.S. adolescents. Marijuana use has not increased during the past two years with 21.2% of high school seniors, 16.6% of sophomores, and 6.5% of 8^th graders using marijuana during the past month. These rates are consistent with 2013. Cigarette and alcohol use continue to decline, as well as the use of prescription opioid pain relievers. Rates of e-cigarettes use, however, are higher than expected with 17.1% of seniors, 16.2% of sophomores, and 8.7% of 8^th graders reporting past month use.

NIDA requests public input on 2016-2020 strategic plan – NASADAD to consider a response
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released a request for information to seek public input for a revised strategic plan that to provide a research framework for the next 5 years. NIDA welcomes input from researchers, health care professionals, patient advocates, advocacy organizations, scientific or professional organizations, federal agencies, and any other interested members of the public. Responses are due by January 30, 2015 and should be emailed to NIDAOSPCPlanning@mail.nih.gov. NASADAD will work with staff to consider developing a response from the Association.

SAMHSA announces prevention grant opportunity for States and tribes
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) State and Tribal Initiative through Monday, March 16, 2015. The program is designed to address two of the nation’s top substance abuse prevention priorities: underage drinking among persons 12-20 and prescription drug misuse and abuse among persons 12-25. Grant recipients will receive an estimated $318,543 to $2,472,608 per grant year.

SAMHSA releases clinical guide on injectable naltrexone for opioid treatment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the guide, “Clinical Use of Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone in the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders: A Brief Guide,” this week. The guide offers information on assessment, developing treatment plans, integrating medication and non-medication therapies, initiating medication-assisted treatment, monitoring patient progress, and much more. The guide also provides general information on methadone and buprenorphine and the various clinical indications that should be considered when discussing various treatment medications.

SAMHSA releases report on Medicaid coverage and financing of medications to treat substance use disorders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the report, “Medicaid Coverage and Financing of Medications to Treat Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders,” in November. The brief offers considerations for covering treatment medications, including the efficacy of the medications, cost offsets and cost effectiveness, and State and federal regulations that affect prescribing and dispensing practices. The report also reviews State Medicaid coverage for these medications, as well as examples of innovative coverage and financing models from Maryland, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

SAMHSA releases brief on co-occurring borderline personality disorders and substance use disorders
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the brief report, “An Introduction to Co-Occurring Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders,” in November. The brief offers information for various health and human services professionals including social workers, vocational counselors, case managers, providers, and probation officers. It provides an introduction to borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental health condition with high rates of suicide and self-harm that often co-occurs with substance use disorders. The brief also details the signs and symptoms of BPD, available treatments, and tips for professionals working with clients with co-occurring BPD and substance use disorder.

CDC releases data on alcohol poisoning deaths from 2010-2012
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the data on January 6^th. More than 2,200 Americans ages 15 and older died due to alcohol poisoning annually from 2010-2012. Of those, approximately 76% were among adults aged 35-64. Whites accounted for the majority of deaths, however, the highest age-adjusted death rate was found among American Indians/Alaska Natives at 49.1 deaths per 1 million. A recent study found that this population is seven times more likely to die from alcohol poisoning than Whites. This reflects both the higher intensity of binge drinkers in this population, geographic isolation, lack of access to medical care, and other factors. An average of 44 underage persons died annually between 2010 and 2012 from alcohol poisoning.

In the News

Studies estimate impact of ending subsidies in federal insurance marketplaces
Two studies, released from the Urban Institute and RAND Corporation, show how eliminating insurance subsidies for low- and moderate-income Americans who purchase insurance in federally-facilitated marketplaces would dramatically increase costs and reduce enrollment. The RAND study found that ending subsidies would reduce enrollment by 9.6 million and premiums would rise by 47%. The Urban study estimates that 8.2 million more Americans would be uninsured in 2016 and that premiums would increase by 35% in States with federally-facilitated exchanges. These studies were commissioned in light of the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case that could eliminate subsidies in these States. (American Hospital Association, AHA News)

Upcoming Events

January: CMS announces series of webinars on the Affordable Care Act
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Partnership Center and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a series of updated webinars on the Affordable Care Act for community organizers. Two webinars will be held, one in English and one in Spanish, that provide a basic overview of the law, including how to enroll in coverage. Another will be held specifically on how to enroll in Marketplace coverage. Any technical difficulties can be reported to ACA101@hhs.gov.

Saturday, January 10, 2015l; 2 pm EST: “Affordable Care Act 101 in English”
Join by Phone Only at 1-415-655-0069, or toll-free at 1-877-309-2074; Access Code: 246-792-172 — The PIN is the # key. Register here.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015; 2 pm EST: “How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace”
Join by Phone Only at 1-914-339-0033; Access Code: 432-745-342 — The PIN is the # key. Register here.

Saturday, January 17, 2015; 2 pm EST: “Affordable Care Act 101 in Spanish”
Join by Phone Only at 1-415-655-0069, or toll-free at 1-877-309-2074; Access Code: 703-463-817 — The PIN is the # key. Register here.

News from NASADAD

• NASADAD releases fact sheet on marijuana
• NASADAD presents at National Conference of State Legislatures on marijuana
• NASADAD attends Capitol Hill briefing on reducing the number of people with mental health and co-occurring disorders in jails
• NASADAD attends release of America’s Health Rankings

Around the Agencies

• HHS releases updates to federal plan for health information technology (IT)
• CDC releases data on State laws prohibiting sales to minors and indoor use of e-cigarettes

In the News

• The Network for Public Health Law releases two issue briefs on naloxone access
• Pediatrics article releases new prevalence data on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)

Upcoming Events

• December 18th: SAMHSA to host webinar on health reform outreach and education

News from NASADAD

NASADAD releases fact sheet on marijuana
NASADAD announced the release of the fact sheet on Friday, December 12th. The fact sheet provides information on national trends in marijuana use and admissions to treatment, as well as the public health impacts of marijuana use, particularly on youth and adolescents. The fact sheet also provides information about State substance abuse agencies and their efforts to fund evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives on marijuana use and substance abuse generally. NASADAD utilized data and research findings from a variety of sources including the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the Monitoring the Future survey, the Treatment Episode Dataset (TEDS), and a variety of resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

NASADAD presents at National Conference of State Legislatures on marijuana

Rob Morrison, Executive Director presented at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Forum on Friday, December 12th as part of a panel called “The Cannabis Conundrum.” The panel featured presentations on State experiences with legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational uses, as well as tax schemes for regulating the production and sale of marijuana products. Mr. Morrison provided an overview of addiction issues generally, as well as information on marijuana use from the lens of a State substance abuse agency. Mr. Morrison also announced the release of a NASADAD fact sheet on marijuana. The other panelists included: John Hudak (Brookings Institution), Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (Washington State), and Pat Oglesby (The Center for New Revenue, NC).

NASADAD attends Capitol Hill briefing on reducing the number of people with mental health and co-occurring disorders in jails
Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate attended the briefing, “Reducing the Number of People with Mental Illness in Jails,” hosted by the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and the National Association of Counties (NACo) on Tuesday, December 9th. The briefing launched a new initiative by CSG Justice Center and NACo to reduce the number of adults with mental and co-occurring substance use disorders in jails. The initiative centers on engaging partner organizations such as sheriffs, jail administrators, judges, community corrections professionals, and treatment providers, consumers, advocates, mental health agencies, substance abuse agencies, and other stakeholders and sharing innovative and evidence-based practices being implemented in States and localities. Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and Rep. Rich Nugent (R-FL) spoke at the event, along with Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown (Columbus, OH), Bexar County Sheriff Susan Parmerleau (San Antonio, TX), 2 individuals in recovery from mental health disorders, and many others.

NASADAD attends release of America’s Health Rankings
Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate attended the 25th Anniversary event, hosted by the United Health Foundation, on Wednesday, December 10th. This marks the 25th year that these health rankings by State have been released. The rankings provide information on various health indicators including tobacco use, binge drinking, and drug overdose deaths. There is also an interactive website where States can adjust different health indicators to see how their health ranking would change. The event was moderated by Dr. Reed Tuckson of Tuckson health Connections and featured five panelists: Dr. George Benjamin (Executive Director, American Public Health Association), Chris Hansen (President, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network), Anna Schenck (Associate Dean for Public Health Practice, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health), Dr. Scott Berns (Senior Vice President of Chapter Programs and Deputy Medical Officer, March of Dimes), and Janice Nolen (Assistant Vice President, American Lung Association).

Around the Agencies

HHS releases updates to federal plan for health information technology (IT)
The Department of Health and Human Services’s (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology released the updated plan for health information technology this week. In a letter introducing the five-year strategic plan, Dr. Karen DeSalvo, National Coordinator for Health IT and Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, writes, “The first two goals of this plan prioritize increasing the electronic collection and sharing of health information while protecting individual privacy. The final three goals focus on federal efforts to create an environment where interoperable information is used by health care providers, public health entities, researchers and individuals to improve health, health care, and reduce costs.” Public comments on the draft plan will be accepted through Feb. 6th. (AHA News)

CDC releases data on State laws prohibiting sales to minors and indoor use of e-cigarettes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the information as part of its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The data covers all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including e-cigarettes. CDC finds that youth and young adult use of these devices has sharply increased. 40 States prohibit sales of these devices to minors (36 States ban sales to individuals under age 18 and four States ban sales to individuals under age 19). While 27 States and the District of Columbia have comprehensive smoke-free laws that prohibit smoking in worksites, restaurants, and bars, only three limit indoor use of ENDS. The brief report also provides information on policy options and efforts at the federal level to regulate these devices, specifically through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In the News

The Network for Public Health Law releases two issue briefs on naloxone access
The first brief, “Legal Interventions to Reduce Overdose Mortality: Emergency Medical Services Naloxone Access,” was released on December 10th and provides information on how emergency medical service (EMS) providers can use naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. The brief describes the difference levels of EMS providers and describes the different legal climates and barriers to different providers using naloxone. Finally, the brief reviews laws and regulations from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico and provides a State-by-State overview of the legal landscape governing various EMS providers and naloxone.

The second brief, “Using Law to Support Pharmacy Naloxone Distribution,” was released on December 5th and provides information about how different States have used legal interventions to expand pharmacy distribution of naloxone. The brief describes various interventions such as collaborative practice agreements, pharmacist-as-prescriber, and standing orders and offers State examples for each. The brief also describes the challenges that States have faced and provides recommendations on future action.

Pediatrics article releases new prevalence data on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
The data was released in the November issue of Pediatrics and illustrates that school children have much higher rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) than previously estimated. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) FASD Center for Excellence drafted a summary of the article that is freely available on their website. The summary outlines the range of opinions surrounding FASD and questions of whether low doses of alcohol during pregnancy will cause FASD. This study finds that FASD prevalence is likely much higher than previously believed, providing additional evidence of the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy.

Upcoming Events

December 18th: SAMHSA to host webinar on health reform outreach and education
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will host the webinar, “Peers in Health Reform Outreach and Education,” on Tuesday, December 18th from 1:00-2:30 pm EST. “The webinar will highlight the efforts of the 2014 Peer Awards for Health Reform Education projects, focusing on what the projects learned about effective education, outreach, enrollment, and treatment access activities. Other topics will include the need to build health reform-specific organizational capacity and the potential long-term impact of health reform on access to peer recovery support services” (SAMHSA).

News from NASADAD

• NASADAD attends briefing on the collateral consequences of addiction led by Senators Portman (R-OH), Whitehouse (D-RI), Ayotte (R-NH), and Klobuchar (D-MN)
• NASADAD submits comments to SAMHSA and CMS on State certified behavioral health clinic pilot

News from the States

• Statewide system reform program to expand the reach of Family drug courts

Around the Agencies

• CDC releases fact sheet on life-saving HIV care
• HHS reports 17% reduction in hospital-acquired conditions over three years
• SAMHSA releases report on Medicaid coverage for medications to treat substance use disorders

Upcoming Events

• December 10^th: Webinar on worker’s compensation and prescription painkiller misuse

News from NASADAD

NASADAD attends briefing on the collateral consequences of addiction led by Senators Portman (R-OH), Whitehouse (D-RI), Ayotte (R-NH), and Klobuchar (D-MN)

Rob Morrison, Executive Director and Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate attended the December 2^nd forum hosted by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and attended by Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The forum included presentations by researchers, practitioners, individuals in recovery, and Members of Congress. The three highlighted topics were the science of addiction, addiction and the criminal justice system, and the collateral consequences of addiction through the lens of individuals in recovery. This is the third in a series of forums hosted by the two Senators to identify policy priorities for the next Congress related to prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use disorders. The Senators introduced their bill, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2014, during the fall and plan to re-introduce it in the next Congress. There are also efforts to introduce a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

NASADAD submits comments to SAMHSA and CMS on certified community behavioral health clinic pilot

NASADAD submitted comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding individual aspects of the certified community behavioral health clinic pilot project. In March of this year, Congress passed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act that, among other provisions, created a demonstration program to establish certified community behavioral health clinics that expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services and enhance Medicaid reimbursement for such services. Certification criteria must be published by September 2015, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) taking the lead. SAMHSA held a listening session on November 12th to seek public and stakeholder input on the criteria.

CMS also held a listening session to discuss the guidance that CMS is developing on how States can establish a prospective payment system for the clinics. Rick Harwood, Deputy Executive Director/Director of Research and Program Applications participated in both listening sessions and provided verbal comments, as well as written comments to both CMS and SAMHSA.

News from the States

Statewide system reform program to expand the reach of family drug courts

Five states have been selected to receive additional funding from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) in order to expand the reach of their Family Drug Courts. The five states: Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, New York, and Ohio, will receive funding under the new Statewide System Reform Program (SSRP). This program aims to improve parental participation in substance abuse treatment, as well as build an effective framework for statewide Family Drug Court policies. The shift in focus from individual Family Drug Court innovation to a Statewide system will be critical in moving towards Family Drug Court expansion on a national level.

Around the Agencies

CDC releases fact sheet on life-saving HIV care

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report on critical measures concerning HIV care. The CDC reported that viral suppression, or keeping a patient’s HIV levels low, is the most important factor in saving lives. However, viral suppression is achieved through HIV care, which only 4 in 10 Americans receive. 76% of patients who receive HIV care achieve viral suppression. The fact sheet provides steps towards achieving both HIV care and viral suppression, as well as expanded statistics on HIV care.

HHS reports 17% reduction in hospital-acquired conditions over three years

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that the rate of hospital-acquired conditions declined 17% between 2010 and 2013, saving an estimated 50,000 lives and $12 billion. The report focuses on nine conditions of interest, including adverse drug effects and bloodstream infections. These nine conditions have both the highest costs and inpatient mortality rates per patient. Additionally, The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET) has provided tools and resources for tracking improvements in hospital care. HRET has also trained over 2,500 hospital staff on improved care practices for the nine conditions of interest.

SAMHSA releases report on Medicaid coverage for medications to treat substance use disorders

The report, “Medicaid Coverage and Financing of Medications to Treat Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders,” was released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in November. The report provides information about Medicaid coverage for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol and opioid dependence, as well as information on cost effectiveness and treatment outcomes. Innovative approaches from Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maryland are also included. Check out NASADAD’s statement on MAT.

Upcoming Events

December 10^th: Webinar on workers’ compensation and prescription painkiller misuse

The National Safety Council (NSC) will host a webinar on Wednesday, December 10^th at 3:00pm EDT. The webinar, titled “Workers’ Compensation: Managing Prescription Painkiller Misuse,” will cover the impact of painkiller misuse on claiming workers’ compensation claims as well as how managers can improve their prescription drug monitoring program. While prescription painkillers are often used to treat injured workers, misuse often increases cost and recovery time. The NSC will discuss these effects and what providers are doing to address this issue.

News from NASADAD

• NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of overdose legislation by Senator Markey (D-MA)
• NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of IMD legislation by Representative Fudge (D-OH)
• NASADAD attends Capitol Hill briefing on opioid use during pregnancy
• NASADAD signs on to a letter recognizing the importance of federal research funding

News from the States

• OhioMHAS releases November e-update

Around the Agencies

• Medicaid.gov expands and improves

Upcoming Events

• November 24^th:  Webinar on HIV and enrollment in the health insurance marketplace
• December 9^th: Webinar on screening and assessment for family engagement and retention

News from NASADAD

NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of overdose legislation by Senator Markey (D-MA)

The legislation, the Opioid Overdose Reduction Act of 2014, S. 2092, was introduced by Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). The legislation would extend civil liability protections to health care professionals who provide or prescribe naloxone, to individuals who distribute naloxone from an overdose prevention program, and to individuals who administer naloxone. State laws that are inconsistent with the above mentioned civil liability protections would be preempted, though State laws that provide additional protections would not. The legislation also provides a mechanism for States to opt out of its provisions.

NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of IMD legislation by Representative Fudge (D-OH)

The legislation, the Breaking Addiction Act of 2014, H.R. 5136, was introduced by Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and originally co-sponsored by Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), and Yvette Clarke (D-NY). The legislation would expand community treatment options by creating a 5-year demonstration project waiving the Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) Exclusion for those suffering from substance abuse. The IMD Exclusion originated in the 1965 Medicaid statute and was originally created so that patients receiving long-term, residential mental health services at a State psychiatric hospital would not be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage for that treatment. Substance use disorder treatment has been included in subsequent enacting legislation, thereby banning Medicaid reimbursement for residential treatment centers with more than 16 beds, which constitute a significant proportion of all residential treatment providers for substance use disorders. This makes it difficult for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive the residential substance use treatment services they need. When the pilot is completed, the bill directs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare a report to evaluate the impact of the program on a range of health care issues including costs, access to care, re-admissions, and emergency care.

NASADAD attends Capitol Hill briefing on opioid use during pregnancy

Shalini Wickramatilake-Templeman, Research Analyst attended the briefing, “Drug Exposure in Mothers and Newborns: Addressing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome,” hosted by the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation (MDBDF) on November 19^th. The briefing featured remarks by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) who co-sponsored the Coordinated Recovery Initiative for Babies (CRIB) Act which was introduced in June and seeks to increase research at the federal level on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), including identification, treatment, and surveillance. Jennifer Conklin from Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) office also provided remarks about a similar piece of legislation the Senator introduced called the Protecting Our Infants Act. Jessica Young of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) gave an overview of NAS and the negative effects of punitive measures against pregnant women who use opioids, both medically and non-medically. Dr. Cecilia Spitznas of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) presented on ONDCP efforts related to NAS and Dr. Mark Hudak of the American Academy of Pediatrics provided an overview of the current body of research on NAS, including variability in symptoms and treatment options.

NASADAD signs on to a letter recognizing the importance of federal research funding

NASADAD was one of over 300 groups that signed on to a letter urging Congress to prioritize fiscal year 2015 budget appropriation legislation. The letter, published on November 12^th, 2014, was put together by the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research and expressed the importance of bipartisan action to pass final, omnibus spending legislation by the end of the year. The omnibus, the group writes, should include appropriations that restore funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to pre-sequestration levels. The group mentioned the importance of the research conducted and funded by NIH, and wrote that only through restored funding could NIH continue their record of excellence. NASADAD priority programs with NIH include the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

News from the States

OhioMHAS releases November e-update

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has released their November 2014 e-Update. The update includes a series of stories detailing Ohio’s progress in addiction and mental health services, beginning with a $10 million increase in funding for addiction recovery housing. Additionally, the update discusses the recent grant awarded to the University of Cincinnati to continue combating Hepatitis C among needle users. Finally, the update provides links to research publications, recent studies, and national news.

Around the Agencies

Medicaid.gov expands and improves

In time for the 2015 open enrollment period, Medicaid.gov has announced several improvements to the Medicaid website. The improved website is more streamlined, modern, and accessible. This means that consumer resources are more easily available through a Consumer Action page. Additionally, the Medicaid Moving Forward section has been remodeled to provide information about both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This section is coupled with expanded Medicaid and CHIP profiles for each state.

Upcoming Events

November 24^th:  Webinar on HIV and enrollment in the health insurance marketplace

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a webinar on Monday, November 24^th, 2014 from 2:00-2:45pm EST. The webinar, titled “Toward an AIDS-free Generation: Healthcare Outreach and Enrollment for People Living with HIV,” will discuss the critical relationship between the 2015 open enrollment period and the needs of the HIV community. This webinar, designed for service providers and community-based organizations, will also focus on the role of the Affordable Care Act in implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and Viral Hepatitis Action Plan.

December 9^th: Webinar on screening and assessment for family engagement and retention

The New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network will host a webinar on Tuesday, December 9^th, 2014 from 1:00-2:30pm EST. The webinar will focus on effective strategies and practices for working with families with substance use disorders. This is the second webinar that will focus on screening and assessment targeted towards family engagement and retention. It will also explore effective methods of substance abuse treatment for parents at both a practice and systems level. Panelists will discuss the importance of expanding collaboration between States and stakeholders.