On Thursday, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, unveiled the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act, a landmark bill aimed at broadening Medicare coverage for seniors battling substance use disorders (SUDs). Currently, traditional Medicare does not cover non-hospital-based residential treatment for SUDs, leaving a significant gap in care for older adults.
Casey’s proposed legislation seeks to address this gap by creating a new benefit under Medicare Part A to cover residential treatment options (Level 3), which are crucial for comprehensive recovery. This move would ensure that millions of Medicare beneficiaries have access to a full continuum of care, from initial intervention to intensive treatment.
“Despite being at higher risk for substance use disorders, older adults often lack access to necessary recovery services,” said Casey. “The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act will provide seniors with another vital option for treatment, acknowledging that SUDs impact every age group and community.”
Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced a companion bill in the House, reinforcing bipartisan support for the measure. “Substance use disorders among seniors are rising, and many families have suffered heartbreaking losses due to addiction,” Underwood stated. “This bill will help ensure Medicare beneficiaries receive high-quality addiction treatment and prevent further tragedies.”
Substance use disorders among seniors are increasingly concerning, with mortality rates from drug overdoses in this age group tripling between 2000 and 2020. In 2022, approximately 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries were affected by SUDs, highlighting the urgent need for expanded coverage.
The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act builds on recent improvements to Medicare’s substance use disorder coverage, including the addition of intensive outpatient services (Level 2) starting January 2024. By filling the remaining gaps, this legislation represents a significant step forward in addressing the opioid epidemic and supporting older adults in their recovery journey.