Should Medicaid Cover Treatment for Infants Born Addicted to Drugs and Their Families? (H.R. 2501)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 2501?
(Updated December 4, 2021)
This bill — known as the CRIB Act — would allow a state Medicaid program to cover inpatient or outpatient services at a residential pediatric recovery center for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (i.e. withdrawal from drugs they were exposed to while in their mother’s womb) and their families. It would establish a provider type for NAS treatment centers that clearly defines residential pediatric recovery centers.
The bill’s full title is the Caring Recovery for Infants and Babies (CRIB) Act.
Argument in favor
Newborns that are suffering withdrawal from heroin and other opioids they were exposed to while in their mother’s womb should have access to treatment that’s covered by Medicaid, which will ensure they receive care.
Argument opposed
There’s no need to allow newborns that were exposed to drugs and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms to receive specialized treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome through Medicaid.
Impact
Infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome and their families; and state Medicaid programs.
Cost of H.R. 2501
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV) introduced this bill to allow state Medicaid programs to cover inpatient and outpatient treatment for drug-exposed newborns:
“Suffering through withdrawal from exposure to heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start one’s life, but that’s the reality for many newborns in West Virginia and across the country. These newborns need specialized care to help them recover from drug exposure before they were even born. Lily’s Place in Huntington is making a difference in the lives of babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome and their families, and we should encourage more centers to open nationwide to treat these newborns. We can work together to cut red tape, fight the drug crisis, and ensure healthy lives for babies and children across our country.”
Media:
-
Sponsoring Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV) Press Release
-
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
-
The Register-Herald
-
Ripon Advance
Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Aneta Meszko, Marcin Meszko / Creative Commons)The Latest
-
SCOTUS Hears Trump Immunity Case, Appearing SkepticalUpdated Apr. 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today over whether Trump is immune from prosecution read more... States
-
IT: 🖋️ Biden signs a bill approving military aid and creating hurdles TikTok, and... Should the U.S. call for a ceasefire?Welcome to Thursday, April 25th, readers near and far... Biden signed a bill that approved aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, read more...
-
Biden Signs Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan Aid, and TikTok BillWhat’s the story? President Joe Biden signed a bill that approved aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which could lead to a ban read more... Taiwan
-
Protests Grow Nationwide as Students Demand Divestment From IsraelUpdated Apr. 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST Protests are growing on college campuses across the country, inspired by the read more... Advocacy