78F6FA3750648368872582E900598FE2 Hearing Summary

Nancy VanDeMark, Mental Health Colorado, presented to the committee and distributed a handout (Attachment B).

Ms. VanDeMark distributed a packet to the committee and gave examples of the barriers to treatment and recovery that persons with substance use disorders (SUD) have experienced (Attachment C).  Ms. VanDeMark responded to committee questions.

Ms. VanDeMark described challenges to accessing care and provided policy recommendations, including ensuring immediate access to care, additional treatment delivery options, and equal insurance coverage for SUD.

Ms. VanDeMark gave examples of effective state and local initiatives.  She discussed providing one point of contact for SUD treatment, proper screening for SUD, and coordination of care for all individuals in treatment.  Ms. VanDeMark responded to questions on detoxification services.

Lauren Snyder, Mental Health Colorado, provided the committee with policy ideas including implementing a system to track SUD, psychiatric, and medication assisted treatment (MAT) program capacity, and increasing the continuum of treatment capacity.  In response to a question, Ms. VanDeMark explained the criteria used to determine level of care for SUD treatment.

Ms. VanDeMark responded to questions on systemic changes to prevent SUD and a centralized contact or phone number for SUD issues.

Ms. Snyder provided suggestions to strengthen the law to ensure that SUD treatment is covered by insurance similar to coverage for physical illnesses.  She responded to questions regarding insurance denials for care, insurance parity, and the committee's focus on prevention of SUD.