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
-
🌎 Are You Ready To Take Action Against Climate Change?Scientists claim that last year "smashed" the record for the hottest year by a large margin , offering a "dramatic testimony" of read more... Environment
-
Should U.S. Implement a New Tax on AI to Fund Worker Benefits?The debate As technology advances, artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into our society. While leaders in AI read more... Artificial Intelligence
-
SCOTUS Hears Arguments of Abortion Pill Mifepristone CaseUpdated March 27, 2024, 12:30 p.m. EST On Tuesday, March 26, the Supreme Court heard arguments about the mifepristone case, read more... Women's Health
-
IT: ⛑️ It's American Red Cross Giving Day, and... How will you give back today?Welcome to Wednesday, March 27th, philanthropists and entrepreneurs... It's American Red Cross Giving Day - a time to ensure the read more...