AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ADDICTION MEDICINE

ALC · Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Joined coalition letters/sent letters to/lobbied Congress, urging them to protect Medicaid for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, in connection with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M). Sent a letter to DOJ regarding amending DEA regulations to allow qualified practitioners to prescribe methadone for OUD for pharmacy administration/dispensing. Sent a letter to OMB, advocating for the streamlining of regulations that hinder innovation in public health and safety approaches that could meaningfully impact access to addiction treatment, including: (1) streamlining regulations to increase access to addiction treatment medications; and (2) reducing prescribing barriers that disincentivize clinicians from prescribing addiction treatment medications. Advocated for reintroduction of Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This first-of-its-kind legislation would create a Medicare Part A benefit for residential addiction treatment programs meeting nationally recognized standards, categorized as Level 3.1: Clinically Managed Low-intensity Residential Treatment; Level 3.5: Clinically Managed High-intensity Residential Treatment, and/or Level 3.7: Medically Managed Residential Treatment. It would also establish a prospective payment system for these programs, ensuring that reimbursement for covered residential addiction treatment services is based on pre-determined, fixed amounts. Participated in Congressional briefing on the financial sustainability of addiction treatment services. In coalition with the Mental Health Liaison Group, joined a letter urging members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee to pass the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483) out of committee. Sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlined three top priorities for the agency's consideration, each of which would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans impacted by addiction. Joined coalition letters to House and Senate leadership urging them to reject the administration's elimination of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) and to continue funding CDC projects focused on reducing tobacco use. Joined a coalition letter about certain workforce reductions at HHS, including FDA and CDC, will hurt the country's ability to regulate harmful tobacco products and reduce tobacco use; the letter was to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joined a coalition letter to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern over the recent decision to terminate the entire membership of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to ONDCPs request for input, sent a letter with recommendations to remove barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Sent a letter to US Senators Bill Cassidy (LA) and Chris Van Hollen (MD), expressing strong support for S. 1941- the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, which aims to establish an innovative purchasing model and support a public health infrastructure for a test-to-treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) program, thereby improving patient access to comprehensive treatment.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 2483, S. 1941

HCR · Health Issues

Joined coalition letters/sent letters to/lobbied Congress, urging them to protect Medicaid for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, in connection with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M). Sent a letter to DOJ regarding amending DEA regulations to allow qualified practitioners to prescribe methadone for OUD for pharmacy administration/dispensing. Sent a letter to OMB, advocating for the streamlining of regulations that hinder innovation in public health and safety approaches that could meaningfully impact access to addiction treatment, including: (1) streamlining regulations to increase access to addiction treatment medications; and (2) reducing prescribing barriers that disincentivize clinicians from prescribing addiction treatment medications. Advocated for reintroduction of Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This first-of-its-kind legislation would create a Medicare Part A benefit for residential addiction treatment programs meeting nationally recognized standards, categorized as Level 3.1: Clinically Managed Low-intensity Residential Treatment; Level 3.5: Clinically Managed High-intensity Residential Treatment, and/or Level 3.7: Medically Managed Residential Treatment. It would also establish a prospective payment system for these programs, ensuring that reimbursement for covered residential addiction treatment services is based on pre-determined, fixed amounts. Participated in Congressional briefing on the financial sustainability of addiction treatment services. In coalition with the Mental Health Liaison Group, joined a letter urging members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee to pass the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483) out of committee. Sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlined three top priorities for the agency's consideration, each of which would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans impacted by addiction. Joined coalition letters to House and Senate leadership urging them to reject the administration's elimination of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) and to continue funding CDC projects focused on reducing tobacco use. Joined a coalition letter about certain workforce reductions at HHS, including FDA and CDC, will hurt the country's ability to regulate harmful tobacco products and reduce tobacco use; the letter was to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joined a coalition letter to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern over the recent decision to terminate the entire membership of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to ONDCPs request for input, sent a letter with recommendations to remove barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Sent a letter to US Senators Bill Cassidy (LA) and Chris Van Hollen (MD), expressing strong support for S. 1941- the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, which aims to establish an innovative purchasing model and support a public health infrastructure for a test-to-treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) program, thereby improving patient access to comprehensive treatment.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 2483, S. 1941

MED · Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs

Joined coalition letters/sent letters to/lobbied Congress, urging them to protect Medicaid for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, in connection with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M). Sent a letter to DOJ regarding amending DEA regulations to allow qualified practitioners to prescribe methadone for OUD for pharmacy administration/dispensing. Sent a letter to OMB, advocating for the streamlining of regulations that hinder innovation in public health and safety approaches that could meaningfully impact access to addiction treatment, including: (1) streamlining regulations to increase access to addiction treatment medications; and (2) reducing prescribing barriers that disincentivize clinicians from prescribing addiction treatment medications. Advocated for reintroduction of Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This first-of-its-kind legislation would create a Medicare Part A benefit for residential addiction treatment programs meeting nationally recognized standards, categorized as Level 3.1: Clinically Managed Low-intensity Residential Treatment; Level 3.5: Clinically Managed High-intensity Residential Treatment, and/or Level 3.7: Medically Managed Residential Treatment. It would also establish a prospective payment system for these programs, ensuring that reimbursement for covered residential addiction treatment services is based on pre-determined, fixed amounts. Participated in Congressional briefing on the financial sustainability of addiction treatment services. In coalition with the Mental Health Liaison Group, joined a letter urging members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee to pass the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483) out of committee. Sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlined three top priorities for the agency's consideration, each of which would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans impacted by addiction. Joined coalition letters to House and Senate leadership urging them to reject the administration's elimination of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) and to continue funding CDC projects focused on reducing tobacco use. Joined a coalition letter about certain workforce reductions at HHS, including FDA and CDC, will hurt the country's ability to regulate harmful tobacco products and reduce tobacco use; the letter was to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joined a coalition letter to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern over the recent decision to terminate the entire membership of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to ONDCPs request for input, sent a letter with recommendations to remove barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Sent a letter to US Senators Bill Cassidy (LA) and Chris Van Hollen (MD), expressing strong support for S. 1941- the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, which aims to establish an innovative purchasing model and support a public health infrastructure for a test-to-treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) program, thereby improving patient access to comprehensive treatment.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 2483, S. 1941

MMM · Medicare/Medicaid

Joined coalition letters/sent letters to/lobbied Congress, urging them to protect Medicaid for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, in connection with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M). Sent a letter to DOJ regarding amending DEA regulations to allow qualified practitioners to prescribe methadone for OUD for pharmacy administration/dispensing. Sent a letter to OMB, advocating for the streamlining of regulations that hinder innovation in public health and safety approaches that could meaningfully impact access to addiction treatment, including: (1) streamlining regulations to increase access to addiction treatment medications; and (2) reducing prescribing barriers that disincentivize clinicians from prescribing addiction treatment medications. Advocated for reintroduction of Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This first-of-its-kind legislation would create a Medicare Part A benefit for residential addiction treatment programs meeting nationally recognized standards, categorized as Level 3.1: Clinically Managed Low-intensity Residential Treatment; Level 3.5: Clinically Managed High-intensity Residential Treatment, and/or Level 3.7: Medically Managed Residential Treatment. It would also establish a prospective payment system for these programs, ensuring that reimbursement for covered residential addiction treatment services is based on pre-determined, fixed amounts. Participated in Congressional briefing on the financial sustainability of addiction treatment services. In coalition with the Mental Health Liaison Group, joined a letter urging members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee to pass the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483) out of committee. Sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlined three top priorities for the agency's consideration, each of which would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans impacted by addiction. Joined coalition letters to House and Senate leadership urging them to reject the administration's elimination of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) and to continue funding CDC projects focused on reducing tobacco use. Joined a coalition letter about certain workforce reductions at HHS, including FDA and CDC, will hurt the country's ability to regulate harmful tobacco products and reduce tobacco use; the letter was to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joined a coalition letter to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern over the recent decision to terminate the entire membership of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to ONDCPs request for input, sent a letter with recommendations to remove barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Sent a letter to US Senators Bill Cassidy (LA) and Chris Van Hollen (MD), expressing strong support for S. 1941- the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, which aims to establish an innovative purchasing model and support a public health infrastructure for a test-to-treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) program, thereby improving patient access to comprehensive treatment.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 2483, S. 1941

BUD · Budget/Appropriations

Joined coalition letters/sent letters to/lobbied Congress, urging them to protect Medicaid for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, in connection with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M). Sent a letter to DOJ regarding amending DEA regulations to allow qualified practitioners to prescribe methadone for OUD for pharmacy administration/dispensing. Sent a letter to OMB, advocating for the streamlining of regulations that hinder innovation in public health and safety approaches that could meaningfully impact access to addiction treatment, including: (1) streamlining regulations to increase access to addiction treatment medications; and (2) reducing prescribing barriers that disincentivize clinicians from prescribing addiction treatment medications. Advocated for reintroduction of Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This first-of-its-kind legislation would create a Medicare Part A benefit for residential addiction treatment programs meeting nationally recognized standards, categorized as Level 3.1: Clinically Managed Low-intensity Residential Treatment; Level 3.5: Clinically Managed High-intensity Residential Treatment, and/or Level 3.7: Medically Managed Residential Treatment. It would also establish a prospective payment system for these programs, ensuring that reimbursement for covered residential addiction treatment services is based on pre-determined, fixed amounts. Participated in Congressional briefing on the financial sustainability of addiction treatment services. In coalition with the Mental Health Liaison Group, joined a letter urging members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee to pass the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483) out of committee. Sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlined three top priorities for the agency's consideration, each of which would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans impacted by addiction. Joined coalition letters to House and Senate leadership urging them to reject the administration's elimination of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) and to continue funding CDC projects focused on reducing tobacco use. Joined a coalition letter about certain workforce reductions at HHS, including FDA and CDC, will hurt the country's ability to regulate harmful tobacco products and reduce tobacco use; the letter was to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joined a coalition letter to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern over the recent decision to terminate the entire membership of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to ONDCPs request for input, sent a letter with recommendations to remove barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Sent a letter to US Senators Bill Cassidy (LA) and Chris Van Hollen (MD), expressing strong support for S. 1941- the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, which aims to establish an innovative purchasing model and support a public health infrastructure for a test-to-treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) program, thereby improving patient access to comprehensive treatment.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 2483, S. 1941

INS · Insurance

Joined coalition letters/sent letters to/lobbied Congress, urging them to protect Medicaid for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, in connection with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program ($30M) Advocated for increased FY26 funding for HRSA's Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program ($50M). Sent a letter to DOJ regarding amending DEA regulations to allow qualified practitioners to prescribe methadone for OUD for pharmacy administration/dispensing. Sent a letter to OMB, advocating for the streamlining of regulations that hinder innovation in public health and safety approaches that could meaningfully impact access to addiction treatment, including: (1) streamlining regulations to increase access to addiction treatment medications; and (2) reducing prescribing barriers that disincentivize clinicians from prescribing addiction treatment medications. Advocated for reintroduction of Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This first-of-its-kind legislation would create a Medicare Part A benefit for residential addiction treatment programs meeting nationally recognized standards, categorized as Level 3.1: Clinically Managed Low-intensity Residential Treatment; Level 3.5: Clinically Managed High-intensity Residential Treatment, and/or Level 3.7: Medically Managed Residential Treatment. It would also establish a prospective payment system for these programs, ensuring that reimbursement for covered residential addiction treatment services is based on pre-determined, fixed amounts. Participated in Congressional briefing on the financial sustainability of addiction treatment services. In coalition with the Mental Health Liaison Group, joined a letter urging members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee to pass the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483) out of committee. Sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that outlined three top priorities for the agency's consideration, each of which would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans impacted by addiction. Joined coalition letters to House and Senate leadership urging them to reject the administration's elimination of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) and to continue funding CDC projects focused on reducing tobacco use. Joined a coalition letter about certain workforce reductions at HHS, including FDA and CDC, will hurt the country's ability to regulate harmful tobacco products and reduce tobacco use; the letter was to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joined a coalition letter to US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern over the recent decision to terminate the entire membership of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to ONDCPs request for input, sent a letter with recommendations to remove barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Sent a letter to US Senators Bill Cassidy (LA) and Chris Van Hollen (MD), expressing strong support for S. 1941- the Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025, which aims to establish an innovative purchasing model and support a public health infrastructure for a test-to-treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) program, thereby improving patient access to comprehensive treatment.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 2483, S. 1941