CONCORD – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., sent a letter to New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, urging him to work to ensure that Granite Staters struggling with substance use disorder can get the care and support they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing, which is a critical strategy currently being practiced to slow the spread of COVID-19, is particularly difficult for vulnerable populations like those with SUD. In the letter, Kuster encouraged the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to pursue grants for telehealth included in the most recent bipartisan coronavirus economic response legislation, which she voted in favor of last week. Kuster also stressed the importance of NH DHHS providing guidance to essential SUD providers so that people with addiction can continue to access care, including Medication Assisted Treatment.

“Treatment for substance use often relies on social networks to support those in recovery, and social isolation is particularly concerning for those in recovery for addiction,” Kuster wrote. “SUD providers and those in treatment will need help to ensure they can maintain these networks through telehealth. I encourage NH DHHS to pursue grants for telehealth included in the most recent bipartisan CARES Act so people can meet virtually if need be.”

Kuster continued, “For those who must seek treatment in person to receive evidence-based Medication Assisted Treatment, including methadone, further guidance should be issued for SUD providers designated as essential to ensure continuity of care for those battling opioid use disorder. At the same time, due to staff and patient shortages as a result of adhering to public health advice regarding social isolation, there’s been a significant drop-off in services for SUD treatment providers. SUD providers cannot afford a reduction in funding from a decrease in reimbursable services. I encourage the NH DHHS to develop a plan to provide Medicaid SUD providers with up-front stabilization funding, which is not available under the current structure of traditional model of fee-for-service reimbursement.”

•••

Kuster also released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision against reopening Affordable Care Act enrollment to uninsured Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite calls from health insurers and elected officials, including Gov. Chris Sununu, to allow for an additional sign-up window amid this public health crisis.

“During a pandemic, uninsured Americans without access to quality care are especially vulnerable,” Kuster said. “Many states have allowed for a special open enrollment period during the coronavirus pandemic so that people can sign up to get covered. Unfortunately, since New Hampshire has a federally-run health care exchange, we rely on the Trump Administration to reopen the marketplace.”

“I am deeply disappointed in the Administration’s irresponsible and dangerous decision not to create a special ACA open enrollment period during this public health emergency despite bipartisan calls to do so,” Kuster added. “It’s clear that Granite Staters need an additional enrollment period given the disruption to our health care system and economy caused by COVID-19. This will cause unnecessary harm to everyone and is an inexcusable setback to flattening the curve.”

Last week, Rep. Kuster called for an ACA Special Open Enrollment Period in the event of public health emergency declaration. Kuster helped to introduce the Ensuring Coverage in Public Health Emergencies Act to ensure that Americans have the opportunity to access quality, affordable care in the event of a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 77,000 New Hampshire residents – making up 6% of the population – do not have health insurance. Under current law, people who lose job-based insurance already qualify to enroll for health insurance on the marketplaces but are required to provide proof that they lost their coverage. A special enrollment period would have made it easier for such people to enroll because it would not require that additional paperwork. It would also have provided a new option for people who chose not to buy health insurance but want it now.

——

EDITOR’S NOTE: This content is being provided for free as a public service to our community during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Telegraph at https://home.nashuatelegraph.com/clickshare/checkDelivery.do;jsessionid=40C089D96583CD7318C1C1D9317B6162.

Newsletter