NAATP wishes everyone a safe and happy July 4th as we celebrate our nation’s birthday. We acknowledge the progress substance use disorder treatment has made over the years in the United States. While we know that science will continue to lead us to more effective treatment methods, we honor the traditional avenues to sobriety that have helped millions recover.

NAATP also continues to focus on progress in the public policy arena. While we are experiencing difficult and trying times, we view those as temporary setbacks and focus on laying the groundwork for improvements in the future. When setbacks occur, we must remember how important it is to increase access to quality care for everyone in need. Lives literally hang in the balance.

One positive step was taken recently in the U.S. House of Representatives. NAATP has consistently advocated for a residential care benefit for Medicare enrollees. We believe it has been discriminatory that demographic has been excluded. Within the last few days, legislation was introduced that closes that critical gap. HR 9538 has been introduced with bipartisan support and is in the House Ways and Means Committee. This is the result of hard work by many coalition partners, and we are grateful for their efforts.

NAATP will be reaching out when a hearing is scheduled. In the meantime, we will be working to expand support for this important advancement toward greater access to care.

In the meantime, we appreciate your support and wish you a wonderful July 4th holiday.