South Carolina Medicaid Secures $14 Million Boost to Combat Opioid Crisis

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), which oversees the state’s Medicaid program, has received a significant $14 million boost in funding dedicated to expanding access to critical opioid addiction treatments. This allocation, comprising $4 million from the state and an additional $10 million in federal funding, went into effect at the beginning of July.

The new funding is specifically earmarked to help cover the costs of vital medications used in opioid addiction treatment, such as buprenorphine and methadone. South Carolina has been grappling with a severe opioid crisis, ranking among the highest rates of opioid-related deaths in the nation, placing 10th and 13th in 2022 and 2023 respectively, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Health officials and recovery advocates consistently emphasize the crucial role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in curbing addiction and saving lives.

State officials hope that by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for these treatments, more healthcare providers will be encouraged to offer them, ultimately expanding access statewide. While the allocated amount is slightly less than the agency’s initial request for nearly $18 million, it is expected to raise the state’s treatment rate to 72% of the Medicaid treatment rate.

The focus on increasing access to medications like buprenorphine and methadone aims to address both the physical aspects of detox and the crucial mental health stabilization needed for long-term recovery. This investment is a vital step in South Carolina’s ongoing efforts to combat the devastating impact of opioid use disorder on its communities.