A newly introduced bill proposes to stack funds to improve substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for older adults.
The bill, called “The Preventing and Treating Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults Act,” would establish a system of grants for entities that help provide addiction treatment for older adults.
“Despite being more susceptible to developing substance use disorders, older Americans are often overlooked for typical screenings and prevention efforts,” Senator Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), the bill’s sponsor and the chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, said in a statement. “Today, I’m taking action to ensure that the rise in substance use disorders among older adults is a subject of national attention, and to improve the availability and accessibility of potentially life-saving treatment options.”
Seniors have a higher exposure rate to potentially addictive medications, like opioids, and are among the demographics most impacted by the opioid epidemic.
In the last two decades, death rates from drug overdoses have more than tripled among people among people older than 65.
The bill would help provide funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to be used for a system of grants.
Entities that seek to improve comprehensive care coordination and integrated care, data collection and collaboration with older adults may be eligible to receive funds. Organizations located in areas of high need would get special attention.
The legislation was introduced and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations – Alliance and the Legal Action Center have expressed support for the legislation.
Casey is also working to enhance understanding of behavioral health among older adults outside of the new bill.
He signed a letter to SAMHSA asking the organization to improve data collection on the scope of SUDs among older adults, as well as on seniors’ ability to access physical and mental health care and wraparound services.
The rising need for behavioral health care for older people has also driven private sector interest in the population.
Talkspace (Nasdaq: TALK) announced in February that it would focus on expanding its services to seniors through its work with Medicare. The company followed through on its plans earlier this month, making its services available to 13 million Medicare beneficiaries across 11 states. Talkspace plans to expand its coverage to all traditional Medicare members and several Medicare Advantage plans by the end of 2024.
Talkiatry is also enhancing its focus on seniors. The tele-behavioral health company rolled out a new program specifically for seniors, including extended initial appointment time and cognitive and functional assessments.
