Opioid program shows significant results in it’s first year
The significant results of a program in Virginia have many wondering if the state has found what it needs to beat the opioid crisis.
The Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) Program was launched by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services in April of 2017.
On Monday, Governor Ralph Northam announced that this initiative has not only reduced opioid prescriptions, but cut emergency room visits in just the first year.
The program expands access to residential treatment for all Medicaid members, creates new counseling and medication services and even has financial incentives for participants.
Governor Northam says: "If we expand our Medicaid eligibility to cover up to 400,000 more Virginians, as I have proposed, this initiative could save many more lives."
