The bill mandates that Medicaid must cover family-based counseling services as part of the treatment for substance use disorders, specifically stating that these services must be provided in connection with inpatient or outpatient treatment, prescribed by a physician, and delivered in a licensed hospital or approved treatment center. This new requirement is included in the list of authorized services under the medical assistance program, aiming to enhance support for individuals undergoing treatment by recognizing the importance of family involvement in the recovery process.

Additionally, the bill ensures that these family-based counseling services are eligible for federal financial participation under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act. It also includes provisions to protect individuals' Medicaid eligibility from being considered by third parties when determining enrollment or benefits, nullifying any insurance contract clauses that would reduce or exclude coverage based on a person's Medicaid status, with certain exceptions for specific trust agreements for disabled individuals. The Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with applying for necessary state plan waivers to implement these changes and secure federal funding for Medicaid expenditures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6