For years, one of the most overlooked groups in the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment conversation has been older adults. Despite the growing recognition of the need for specialized care for seniors, Medicare has historically only covered hospital or outpatient programs for substance use treatment. Residential care, which is often a critical part of recovery for many individuals with SUDs, has been largely excluded from Medicare coverage for substance use disorder. This has created a significant gap in care for seniors, many of whom face unique challenges when dealing with substance use issues.
However, a new piece of legislation—the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act—is poised to change that. This proposed bill would allow seniors with Medicare coverage for substance use disorder to access non-hospital-based residential SUD care, filling a critical gap in the recovery options available to older adults.
The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act: A Game Changer for Seniors with SUDs
The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act is a landmark piece of legislation that would provide Medicare recipients with access to residential care for substance use disorders. The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and in the House of Representatives by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). If passed, the legislation would make residential treatment programs for SUDs accessible to seniors, who have historically been excluded from this type of care.
Senator Bob Casey articulated the importance of the bill in a statement, underscoring how older adults have long been overlooked when it comes to substance use treatment options. He said, “Despite being at higher risk for developing substance use disorders, older adults suffering from addiction are often overlooked and do not have access to the full spectrum of recovery care.” By expanding Medicare coverage for substance use disorder to include residential recovery options, Casey and Underwood hope to provide seniors with more treatment choices and improve access to the care they need.
The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act represents a long-overdue step toward meeting the needs of an often-underserved population. For older adults struggling with substance use disorders, residential treatment can be critical to achieving long-term recovery. By allowing these individuals to access such care, the bill aims to offer them another option for overcoming addiction and reclaiming their health and quality of life.
The Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults
The issue of substance use disorders in older adults is far more widespread than many realize. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national survey on drug use and health among older adults, 7.1 million seniors reported having a substance use disorder in the past year. In addition to these SUDs, 9.5 million older adults used illicit drugs in the last year, and 10 million engaged in binge drinking. These statistics paint a troubling picture of the extent to which substance use is affecting the older population.
However, despite these alarming figures, seniors with SUDs often face barriers to seeking and receiving the help they need. The stigma surrounding addiction and the aging process can lead many older adults to feel isolated or reluctant to ask for help. Additionally, treatment options for seniors have been limited. While younger individuals may benefit from a wider range of treatment programs, older adults have historically had few options that are tailored to their unique needs.
Furthermore, many seniors are struggling with substance use disorders that are linked to prescription medications, particularly opioid use disorders (OUD). The opioid crisis has disproportionately affected older adults, many of whom began using prescription painkillers for legitimate medical reasons but became addicted over time. As efforts to curb opioid prescriptions have intensified in recent years, many older adults who were once prescribed opioids have faced difficulties in managing their pain or have turned to other substances as a result.
These issues underscore the need for Medicare coverage for substance use disorder, particularly residential treatment, to ensure that older adults who need help have access to appropriate care. The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act is a direct response to this growing concern.
The Call for Expanded Treatment Options for Seniors
The need for expanded substance use treatment options for older adults has been voiced by experts for years. Cooper Zelnick, the Chief Revenue Officer of Groups Recover Together, spoke about the issue at the Behavioral Health Business’ Autism & Addiction Treatment Forum. Zelnick pointed out that the prevalence of substance use disorders in the Medicare population has historically been underreported. He explained that opioid use disorders often go unnoticed, as many older adults with addiction issues mask their struggles with chronic pain, especially when long-term opioid prescriptions were once common practice. As the government has increasingly cracked down on opioid prescriptions, many older adults have found themselves without adequate support or treatment options.
Zelnick’s comments highlight the complexity of substance use disorders in older adults. The symptoms can be hard to identify, and the stigma surrounding addiction among seniors can further discourage them from seeking help. This makes it even more crucial that the healthcare system offers tailored, residential treatment programs designed to meet the unique needs of seniors who are struggling with substance use disorders. Expanding Medicare coverage for substance use disorder to include such options would provide seniors with a more comprehensive, accessible range of treatment plans.
Why Residential Treatment Matters for Seniors
Residential treatment offers a unique and often necessary form of care for individuals dealing with substance use disorders. Unlike outpatient programs, which typically involve shorter visits and less intensive support, residential treatment offers a structured environment where individuals can receive round-the-clock care. This setting is particularly beneficial for seniors who may be dealing with multiple health issues, including mobility challenges, chronic pain, or mental health conditions, which may complicate their recovery process.
For many individuals, especially older adults, residential care provides a safe space for healing and recovery, free from the distractions and temptations of their everyday environment. The support system provided in these facilities, including medical and therapeutic care, can make a significant difference in helping people achieve lasting recovery. By making these programs available under Medicare coverage for substance use disorder, the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would provide a much-needed opportunity for seniors to access care that is critical to their recovery journey.
A Step Toward Comprehensive Care for Older Adults
The introduction of the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act represents a critical shift toward more inclusive healthcare for older adults. By expanding Medicare coverage for substance use disorder to include residential treatment for substance use disorders, this legislation acknowledges the growing need for specialized addiction care in this demographic. It also takes a significant step toward eradicating the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues in older adults, providing them with more resources to seek help and regain control over their lives.
As substance use continues to impact people of all ages, it is essential that healthcare systems adapt to meet the needs of an aging population. The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act is a crucial piece of legislation that can help bridge the gap in care, ensuring that seniors struggling with substance use disorders have access to the full spectrum of recovery options. With the support of legislators like Senator Bob Casey and Representative Lauren Underwood, this bill could change the way we approach addiction treatment for older adults, providing them with the care and support they deserve.
As this legislation moves forward, there is hope that it will be the first of many steps in creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system for older Americans. By addressing the unique needs of this population, we can ensure that seniors who are struggling with substance use disorders have access to the comprehensive care they need to recover and thrive.
