SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (2018)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (Public Law 115–271)

2) Why It Was Done
The SUPPORT Act was passed to build on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA, 2016) and provide a more robust federal response to the opioid crisis, including prevention, treatment, recovery, and Medicaid reforms.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The CSA and CARA provided a mix of enforcement and treatment policies. SUPPORT expanded CARA with a stronger public health approach and added Medicaid and Medicare reforms.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters call it one of the most significant bipartisan health bills since the ACA. Critics argue funding still falls short of the scale of the opioid epidemic.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Federal agencies (expanded coordination of opioid response)
• States and Medicaid programs (new authorities and funding for treatment)
• Healthcare providers (expanded MAT access, telehealth, and prescribing rules)
• Patients and families (improved recovery supports and services)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• Expanded Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder treatment
• Increased access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Broadened use of telehealth for SUD services
• Strengthened data sharing across prescription drug monitoring programs

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Implementation continues, with focus on Medicaid expansion and treatment access
• Ongoing debates over funding adequacy and long-term sustainability
• Remains central in shaping federal and state opioid response

8) Official Sources

• Congress.gov – SUPPORT Act 2018
• CMS – SUPPORT Act Medicaid Guidance
• SAMHSA – SUPPORT Act Programs

• Public Health
• Opioid Crisis
• Treatment
• Recovery
• Medicaid