The Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment Act, or Life BOAT, suggests placing a one cent fee on each milligram of opioid-based drugs. With the support of several other senators, Sen. Manchin estimates the bill will generate $1.5 billion to $2 billion a year. Funds raised would be allocated to treatment facilities through the Substance Abuse Treatment Block Grant program.
“We’ve got a full-blown epidemic that’s killed 200,000 Americans and we’re not doing a thing, so I’m asking my friends who’ve said they can’t vote for any new taxes, so I’m telling you one thing this is not a tax, it’s a treatment,” Manchin said, according to West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
Feds join executive’s $50M false claims suit against Prime Healthcare
NFL physician says House investigation has ‘basic lack of fairness’
Fla. physician gets 25 years in prison for 3 overdose deaths
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.