WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the Senate Finance Committee passed the Helping to End Addiction and Lessen (HEAL) Substance Use Disorders Act of 2018, which includes language Senator Roberts introduced to fight the opioid epidemic. The Committee favorably reported out the bill with a vote of 27-0.

For audio and video of his remarks go here.

“The growing prevalence of substance use and opioid use disorders is one of the greatest challenges currently facing our nation. In Kansas, opioid and substance abuse in rural areas is of particular concern, especially given the unique challenges people face,” said Roberts. “Many folks in rural areas do not have access to the treatment they need to overcome addiction. One of the major barriers I consistently hear from both physicians and patients in Kansas is the prior authorization process.”

Senator Roberts, along with Sens. Grassley and Carper introduced S. 2908, the Electronic Prior Authorization in Medicare Part D Act last month, which would provide for Electronic Prior Authorization (ePA) to be used in Medicare Part D. Prior authorization, a request for additional information about whether the patient needs or meets clinical criteria for a medicine to be covered, is currently completed through paper forms, faxes and telephone calls. The use of ePA through a common electronic system will improve the program and lower costs.

The HEAL Substance Use Disorders Act includes Sen. Roberts’ language to use ePA. It also includes language from S. 2910, the TeleCAST Act, which Sen. Roberts introduced with Senator Nelson in May. This legislation would identify best practices and ways to overcome barriers to offer school-based telehealth services. It would help children living in rural communities who don’t have access to treatment options. 

“I hope we can bring real relief from this terrible epidemic to Kansans and all Americans,” said Roberts.

Senator Roberts is a member of both the Senate Committee on Finance and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. He is co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus.

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