Maine lawmakers in special session finally respond to opioid crisis

[TexasTowelie]

AUGUSTA — After two years of virtually no progress, the most recent session of the Legislature finally produced what treatment advocates regard as meaningful responses to Maine’s epidemic of opioid abuse.

Three new laws moved forward earlier this month, despite veto attempts by Republican Gov. Paul LePage.

The first funds the creation of a so-called $6.6 million “hub-and-spoke” initiative to align treatment and recovery programs to ensure that fewer people who need help slip through the cracks or relapse without intervention.

The money in the legislation helps pay for medication-assisted treatment – such as methadone and Suboxone – for the uninsured, who are the most likely to lack access to treatment. Some 400 to 500 people will gain assistance.

Read more: https://www.pressherald.com/2018/07/16/lawmakers-in-special-session-finally-responded-to-opioid-crisis/

[Soxfan58]

1. Le Page

Vetoed Narcan legislation because it was " delaying the inevitable" Passing Medicaid expansion (which we already voted to do) would be a good first step.