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SB 172

AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE RECOVERY COACHES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Somers

Connecticut would require Medicaid to reimburse peer recovery coaches supporting substance abuse treatment, expanding affordable access to evidence-based recovery support services.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Human Services
#alcoholism #drugabusetreatment #medicaid
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Bill Summary · SB 172

Legislative bill overview

SB 172 would require Connecticut's Medicaid program to reimburse substance abuse recovery coaches for their services. Recovery coaches are peer support specialists who help individuals with substance use disorders maintain sobriety and navigate recovery resources. The bill seeks to create a reimbursable service category within the state's Medicaid system.

Why is this important

Substance use disorder treatment outcomes improve significantly with peer support, yet recovery coaches often work without insurance reimbursement, limiting access for low-income patients. This bill could expand recovery services to Medicaid beneficiaries while potentially creating sustainable employment for people in recovery. It addresses a gap between proven recovery support methods and actual healthcare coverage.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Determining appropriate reimbursement rates and estimating total state Medicaid expenditure requires actuarial analysis not yet detailed
  • Qualification standards: Disagreement may arise over what credentials, training, or certification recovery coaches should require to bill Medicaid
  • Service definition and scope: Questions about which specific activities are billable (peer counseling, navigation, mentoring, crisis support) and appropriate session lengths/frequencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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