NH treatment & recovery centers facing funding, new licensing issues

CONCORD, N.H. - Changes to Medicaid reimbursements are threatening treatment and recovery centers in New Hampshire.

Addiction workers are calling the changes and new regulations imposed by state leaders an "all out war on recovery centers."

Those in the recovery community came out in full force on Monday to protest what they're calling a state crackdown on sober houses. They claim these changes are putting thousands of lives at risk.

"It's sad to say. but more people may lose their life to addiction," said Eric Spofford, an employee at Granite Recovery Centers.

As a former addict himself, Spofford now helps thousands of others through his network of private recovery facilities. He fears state legislation may undo all the work he and other addiction workers have done.

"It's starting to feel like a little bit of war on recovery," said Spofford.

Granite Recovery Centers and other treatment facilities across the state are paid through a mix of Medicaid reimbursements.

Some are paid $162 a day, whereas others range from $300 to $500.

However, in January, the state decided to cut down on the rates across the board to just $162, even though it costs the treatment centers about $275 a day.

"Which is over a $100 deficit per bed, per day, for every client treated, which has put the ecosystem of all the treatment providers here in New Hampshire at risk of closure and not being able to operate," said Spofford.

State health officials are also proposing new licensing requirements for sober houses, a measure that could include costly upgrades at the same time the state is reducing funding.

"They may severely have to downsize or possibly close their doors," said Spofford.

On Monday, Spofford and others plead their case to state leaders, warning them that the opioid crisis is far from over.

"This is not the time to reduce funding on any level," said Spofford. "We need to be at a bare minimum, hold status quo at what we have in place."

Boston 25 News reached out to DHHS for a comment, but a spokesperson did not return our request.

At the meeting, state health officials said they are working to find a solution for the Medicaid reimbursements, including looking into federal grants.

Cox Media Group