Substance Use Disorder Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Application

Overview

Oregon is applying to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a new five-year Medicaid 1115 Demonstration waiver to help build a full continuum of care for Medicaid members with substance use disorders. 

The Waiver Implementation Plan (required by CMS in order to apply for the waiver) outlines how Oregon will show it is achieving the waiver's goals, if approved by CMS.

• June 16, 2020: CMS confirms completeness of the waiver application, will post for public comment period

Oregon’s vision

We believe substance use disorder is a chronic condition that needs long-term comprehensive care and support. Oregon envisions a person-centered and recovery-oriented system that supports prevention, treatment and ongoing support for sustained recovery. Right now:

• Oregon cannot use Medicaid funds to pay for residential treatment in facilities with more than 16 beds. Most of Oregon’s residential treatment facilities are more than 16 beds and solely state-funded. 
• Only treatment is eligible for Medicaid funding (not prevention, outreach, or recovery support).

If approved, the SUD 1115 waiver would allow Oregon to pay all residential facilities using Medicaid funds. OHA will use these new funds to also provide the supports needed to prevent substance use disorder, identify substance use disorder and sustain long-term recovery.

Public process

This waiver has the potential to profoundly change Oregon’s substance use disorder treatment system.

Draft application

• Public notice seeking comment on draft application and implementation plan - Issued Jan. 14, 2020 
• Draft application
• Implementation plan
• Comment period: Jan. 14 through Feb. 21, 2020

State Plan Amendment

• Public notice seeking comment on draft amendment - Issued Jan. 14, 2020
• Comment period: Jan. 14 through Feb. 21, 2020

Public meetings

View the dates, times and locations of the meetings where OHA shared information about the waiver.

Portland Town Hall - Feb. 4, 2020, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

• View the agenda
• View the minutes

Roseburg Town Hall - Feb. 12, 2020, 10 to 11 a.m.

• View the agenda
• View the minutes

Bend Town Hall - Feb. 19, 2020, noon to 1 p.m.

• View the agenda
• View the minutes

Meeting accommodation

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Joanna Johnson at 503-753-6160 (711 TTY) at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Questions or comments?