The legislation would increase access to telehealth services for addiction treatment by permanently allowing the prescribing of Medication Assisted Therapies (MAT) and other necessary drugs without needing a prior in-person visit. It also makes permanent the ability to bill Medicare for audio-only telehealth services.
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
The bill is supported by: American Society for Addiction Medicine, American College of Medical Toxicology, Kennedy Forum, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, National Association of Behavioral Health, National Safety Council, Shatterproof, and Well Being Trust.
Rep. Budd said in a statement:“We should make it as easy as possible for those who struggle with substance abuse to get the help they need. Data has shown that overdoses have spiked nationally in March, April, and May during pandemic-related lockdowns. Especially during COVID-19, cutting out regulatory barriers to treatment should be a national priority, and I’m proud to support a bill like the TREATS Act that does just that.”