WASHINGTON, D.C. – Matt Eyles, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), issued this statement following the release of a final rule, published early this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which allows patients to more broadly share their substance use treatment records.
“Every day, 130 families across the nation lose a loved one due to an opioid-related overdose. And every year, substance use disorder costs America more than $740 billion in crime, lost work productivity, and health care. As we continue to fight COVID-19, substance use disorder is a growing health crisis that also puts the health of our nation at risk.
“Health insurance providers know and have seen the devastating impact substance use disorder has on millions of Americans—both patients and their loved ones. That’s why we applaud the release of the final HHS rule empowering patients with greater flexibility to share their substance use treatment records. The rule reduces unnecessary burdens on patients and gives patients better control of their health information while maintaining key elements of confidentiality.
“America’s health insurance providers understand that substance use disorder is a chronic health condition and are taking action to address it. AHIP and its members will continue to work with the Administration, Congress, and other stakeholders to help eradicate substance use disorder and improve the health and well-being of the families and communities we serve.”