The Biden administration made a significant move on Wednesday by removing a major obstacle for health providers looking to offer contingency management as a form of addiction treatment, specifically aimed at reducing the use of stimulants such as methamphetamine. Contingency management involves providing financial incentives to individuals in exchange for decreased substance use, with programs often including rewards like gift cards for negative drug tests. Despite some controversy surrounding the approach, numerous studies have shown its effectiveness, leading several states to already incorporate it into their Medicaid programs.
One of the main issues with contingency management has been the limited funding available, with federal grants previously capped at a mere $75 per year. This amount was deemed insufficient by experts and providers who argued that higher incentives are needed to drive behavioral change. In a significant announcement, the Biden administration revealed that grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can now support contingency management services up to $750 annually, with payments to be made through vouchers or gift cards, not in cash.
The decision to raise the funding cap comes after years of advocacy efforts from proponents of contingency management who have pushed for greater financial support. The move is seen as a major milestone in the federal government’s support for this form of addiction treatment, which is crucial in addressing the rising rates of stimulant use, especially involving drugs like meth and cocaine. Unlike opioid addiction, there is currently no approved medication treatment for stimulant addiction, making contingency management a vital intervention for the millions of individuals struggling with stimulant use disorders.
This step by the Biden administration not only has practical implications for funding and access to contingency management but also carries symbolic significance. The increased support from the federal government could influence private insurers and healthcare providers to adopt a more favorable attitude towards this intervention. Prominent proponents of contingency management, including former SAMHSA official Westley Clark and Stanford researcher Keith Humphreys, have welcomed the decision as a significant advancement in addiction treatment.
Overall, the Biden administration’s move to boost funding for contingency management represents a major step forward in addressing the nation’s drug crisis, particularly concerning stimulant addiction. By providing greater financial support for this proven intervention, more individuals struggling with substance use disorders may have access to effective treatment and support on their journey to recovery.
