Substance abuse treatment for adults who are 21 and older with Medicaid can now get treatment similar to those who are age 20 and younger with Medicaid.

 

Previously, Medicaid coverage for substance abuse treatment for adults was limited to some hospital-based detoxification and mental health services such as psychotherapy.

 

September 1, 2010 is the official start date when adults can get access to outpatient treatment services such as counseling and medication assisted therapy. Residential treatment such as detoxification will be available after Jan. 1, 2011.

 

Those interested in getting the new outpatient services must first be assessed by a licensed chemical dependency facility.

 

For providers, rate information is available on the TMHP website:

http://www.tmhp.com/News_Items/2010/08-06-10%20New%20Benefits%20and%20Rates%20for%20Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Services.pdf

 

The site also has more specifics for providers looking to get reimbursed for services: http://www.tmhp.com/News_Items/2010/08-13-10%20Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Services%20to%20be%20a%20Benefit%20of%20Texas%20Medicaid.pdf