For-Release_COMPA-Supports-Passage-of-NY-Bills-to-Provide-Universal-Access-to-MAT.docx-1.pdf (2457 downloads )
— Coalition Applauds Progress and Calls for Lawmakers to Open Access to ALL MAT Medicines Under Medicaid, Prohibit Copays During OTP Treatment, and Require MAT in Correctional Facilities —
(New York, New York – June 13, 2019) The Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates of New York State (COMPA) today issued a statement of support and further encouragement to New York legislators for the passage of a package of bills to combat the opioid addiction epidemic by increasing access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
“We applaud the Senate and Assembly passing A2904 Quart/S 4808 Harckham which eliminates prior authorizations for all MAT medications for commercial insurance policies,” said Allegra Schorr, President of COMPA. “This will increase access to treatment and reduce barriers for delivering care.” She added, “We urge the passage of A7246 Rosenthal/S5935 Harckham which provides critical access to all medications to vulnerable Medicaid populations during this opioid crisis. Moreover, in order to ensure that all New Yorkers can access care, we urge the State to implement the policy outlined in A833 Rosenthal/ S2161 Bailey that would establish a patient-centered MAT program for incarcerated individuals in jails and prisons, and COMPA supports A972A Rosenthal/S4643A Harckham, which would prohibit copays during the course of treatment at an Opioid Treatment Program.”
Opioid addiction is a growing public health crisis that kills people every day in New York, with 3,894 people dying in 2016 alone. In response to this epidemic, New York State has made some significant policy inroads to expand treatment. In order to finally reverse the growing trend of opioid addiction and death, Schorr stated that it is imperative that the State continue to break down barriers to treatment and invest in programs that are accessible to everyone.
About COMPA
The Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates of New York State (COMPA) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to treating addiction through the use of pharmacotherapy as a part of a comprehensive bio-psycho-social approach to treatment. COMPA-member programs, numbering more than 45 organizations across New York State, treat more than 41,000 New Yorkers from every corner of New York State and help them to overcome their dependence on illicit opioids and other drugs. COMPA, along with its member treatment programs, affiliate members, and corporate members works to improve all aspects of the lives of patients. This involves advocacy with federal, state, and local governments as well
For-Release_COMPA-Supports-Passage-of-NY-Bills-to-Provide-Universal-Access-to-MAT.docx-1.pdf (2457 downloads )
