Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Christie Moves To Protect Coverage Of Opioid Treatment In Case Of Repeal
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Christie’s Rx On Addiction: Insurance Coverage Mandate Advances
As part of his promise to tackle drug addiction, [New Jersey Gov. Chris] Christie is pushing to mandate insurance coverage for substance-abuse treatment. But the plan is raising concerns over costs and availability of treatment beds. Legislation advanced Monday by Senate and Assembly committees would require that people with insurance be covered for 180 days of inpatient and outpatient substance-abuse treatment without needing prior authorization. The treatment would have to be considered “medically necessary” by the person’s doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, although insurers could review the necessity of inpatient benefits after 28 days. (Hanna, 1/30)
New Hampshire Union Leader: Boy Credited With Saving Dad’s Life After He OD’s On Fentanyl
A 6-year-old boy is being credited with saving his father from what rescue crews say would have been a fatal overdose of fentanyl late Friday afternoon. Police Lt. Richard Mann said the boy, whom police have not identified, saw that his father was ill and ran outside to find a neighbor.“ He flagged down a neighbor and said, ‘My daddy is hurt,’” Mann said. Had the boy not run for help, his father “would not have made it,” said Fire Department Capt. Michael Newhall. (Seufert, 1/30)
