WSR 25-22-041
HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
[Filed October 29, 2025, 11:15 a.m.]
NOTICE
Title or Subject: Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 25-0018 Medication Assisted Treatment Updates.
Effective Date: January 1, 2026.
Description: In 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required states to provide medication-assisted treatment, covering medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). MOUD increased treatment options for substance use disorders (SUDs), including counseling services and behavioral therapies associated with the provision of required drug and biological coverage. This mandatory MOUD benefit was initially effective for a five-year period, beginning October 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2025. The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2024, made this requirement permanent, removing the end date. The health care authority (HCA) intends to submit SPA 25-0018 to comply with the CAA by removing the end date. HCA will also make the following clarifications, which do not affect or change current policy and practice:
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| • | Consolidate and update service definitions. |
| • | Rename some services and provider types to better align with current usage and agency documents. |
SPA 25-0018 is expected to have no effect on the annual aggregate expenditures/payments for this service.
HCA is in the process of developing the SPA. HCA would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy of the SPA when it becomes available or submit comments, you may contact the person named below (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).
CONTACT: Liz Wolkin, Occupational Nurse Consultant, Acute Care SUD, 626 8th Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, TRS 711, email liz.wolkin@hca.wa.gov.