Denying MAT access is seen as both negligent and a civil rights violation under laws like the ADA. Facilities may face consequences for restricting or withholding MAT. Families can advocate through legal action and support networks, with help from legal aid and peer advocates.
The High Cost of Denying MAT: Why Withholding Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment Is Unethical and Unlawful
⚖️ 1. It Violates the Standard of Care
MAT—such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone—is widely recognized by the CDC, SAMHSA, and WHO as the gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment. Withholding it denies patients the most effective and scientifically supported care available, greatly increasing their risk of relapse, overdose, and death. In many cases, this can be seen as medical negligence or malpractice.
💀 2. It Contributes to Preventable Deaths
Untreated opioid use disorder carries a high risk of fatal overdose. MAT reduces opioid-related mortality by over 50%. Choosing not to offer it—especially when it’s clinically indicated—can directly contribute to preventable loss of life and ongoing harm to individuals and communities.
⚠️ 3. It Discriminates Against People with Addiction
Addiction is a chronic, treatable medical condition. Refusing MAT perpetuates stigma, reinforcing the outdated belief that recovery must be “drug-free.” This discriminatory approach ignores addiction’s biological basis and medical complexity. It may also violate disability protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
📉 4. It Harms Public Health and Recovery Outcomes
Patients denied MAT are more likely to disengage from treatment, return to drug use, or avoid medical systems altogether. The result? Higher rates of incarceration, HIV/HCV transmission, and homelessness. Denial of care doesn’t just hurt individuals—it undermines public health.
📜 5. It Breaches Medical Ethics
Refusing MAT breaks fundamental ethical principles:
- Beneficence: The duty to help
- Non-maleficence: The duty to do no harm
- Justice: Fair and equal treatment
- Autonomy: Respecting informed patient choice
Ethical care means offering all medically appropriate treatment options—especially when lives are at stake. Ideology or personal bias should never override evidence-based medicine.
In summary. denying access to MAT is not just a policy failure—it’s a moral, legal, and medical failure. It places ideology above science, stigma above healing, and discrimination above equity. Every person with a substance use disorder deserves comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based treatment—including access to MAT. Providers, institutions, and policymakers must act to uphold this standard, protect lives, and ensure that addiction care is rooted in dignity and science.
When Refusing MAT Crosses the Line: Legal and Policy Risks for Denying Addiction Treatment
Several U.S. government policies and legal protections support and, in many cases, require access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). While refusal to provide MAT may not always be labeled as “negligence” in legal language, it increasingly carries ethical, regulatory, and civil rights risks that healthcare providers and institutions cannot afford to ignore.
⚖️ 1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Opioid use disorder qualifies as a disability under the ADA when individuals are not actively using illicit drugs or are in supervised treatment like MAT.
- Denying MAT access can constitute disability discrimination, especially in healthcare, housing, employment, or criminal justice settings.
- Courts have ruled in favor of individuals denied MAT, reinforcing that such refusals may violate federal disability protections.
✅ Example: In Doe v. County of Montgomery, the court found that denying MAT to an incarcerated person violated the ADA.
📜 2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This law prohibits discrimination in any program receiving federal funds—including clinics, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
- Denying services to someone in MAT-based recovery may be considered a civil rights violation.
- Providers must offer equal access to care regardless of a patient’s MAT status.
🏥 3. Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Mental Health Parity Laws
The ACA expanded insurance coverage to include mental health and substance use treatment as essential health benefits.
- Refusing to cover MAT or excluding it from care options may violate parity laws, which require substance use treatment to be on par with physical health care.
- Providers receiving federal funds must follow clinical guidelines—which include offering MAT when appropriate.
🧑⚕️ 4. Federal Clinical Guidelines and Grant Conditions
Agencies like SAMHSA, CDC, NIH, and HHS all endorse MAT as the evidence-based standard of care.
- Clinics that receive funding from HRSA, SAMHSA, or State Opioid Response grants are often required to provide or refer to MAT.
- Failing to comply can result in loss of funding or regulatory penalties.
🔒 5. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Enforcement
The DOJ has issued formal guidance: denying MAT access may violate federal civil rights laws.
- DOJ enforcement has targeted:
- Courts that force patients off MAT
- Jails and prisons that deny MAT
- Healthcare providers who discriminate based on MAT status
🔄 6. Eighth Amendment Protections in Corrections
The U.S. Constitution prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment,” which includes withholding essential medical care in prisons or jails.
- Courts increasingly recognize MAT as medically necessary.
- Denial of MAT in correctional settings can be seen as deliberate indifference to serious medical needs—violating constitutional rights.
🧾 Summary Table: Key Policies That Frame MAT Refusal as Risky or Discriminatory
| Policy/Act | Focus | Risk of Refusing MAT |
|---|---|---|
| Americans with Disabilities Act | Disability rights | Discrimination, civil rights violation |
| Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act) | Federally funded services | Civil rights violation |
| Affordable Care Act + Parity Act | Insurance and access | Noncompliance, denial of care |
| Federal Grant Conditions | Evidence-based treatment | Funding loss, legal noncompliance |
| DOJ Civil Rights Enforcement | Justice and healthcare systems | Federal lawsuits, enforcement action |
| Eighth Amendment (Corrections) | Medical care in incarceration | Constitutional violation, legal liability |
In summary, while refusal to offer MAT may not always carry the legal label of “negligence,” it increasingly overlaps with violations of civil rights, federal funding rules, ethical standards, and constitutional protections. Denial based on stigma, outdated beliefs, or institutional bias is no longer acceptable—and in many contexts, it’s legally actionable. Providers and systems must evolve to ensure access to MAT and uphold the rights, safety, and dignity of those with substance use disorders.
The Legal and Ethical Risks of Non-MAT Addiction Programs: What Facilities Must Know
Some addiction treatment facilities operate without offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), often relying solely on abstinence-based models. While these programs may legally exist under certain conditions, they increasingly face legal, ethical, and clinical risks—especially as national standards evolve. Here’s a breakdown of how a facility might try to avoid liability, and why that’s becoming harder to justify.
✅ How a Facility Might Avoid Liability (in Limited Cases)
1. Clearly Defined Scope of Practice
- Some programs legally define themselves as abstinence-based or faith-based and do not offer MAT by design.
- If they are privately funded and operate outside of federal or state licensing, they may avoid certain legal obligations.
2. Informed Consent and Referral
- If patients are clearly informed that MAT is not available, and that information is documented in consent forms, legal risk may be reduced.
- Referring clients to outside MAT providers shows a good-faith effort to offer comprehensive care.
3. Not Receiving Federal Funds or Licensure
- Facilities outside federal or state oversight may not be subject to MAT-related funding conditions.
- However, this limits credibility and access to public resources—and doesn’t eliminate ethical concerns.
⚠️ Why These Facilities Still Face Significant Risks
❌ 1. Violates the Standard of Care
- Agencies like SAMHSA, CDC, and WHO recognize MAT as the gold standard for opioid use disorder.
- Failing to offer or refer to MAT could be considered negligent, especially in medical or licensed settings.
❌ 2. Civil Rights and Discrimination
- Under the ADA and Section 504, refusing to serve someone because they use MAT (e.g., methadone or buprenorphine) may constitute disability discrimination.
- The Department of Justice has taken legal action against jails, courts, and treatment programs that exclude MAT participants.
❌ 3. Ethical and Clinical Harm
- Denying MAT increases the risk of relapse, overdose, and death.
- This contradicts core medical ethics principles: do no harm, help when possible, and respect patient autonomy.
❌ 4. Public and Legal Pressure Is Growing
- New laws and funding requirements increasingly demand access to all FDA-approved addiction treatments.
- Even private or religious facilities may face scrutiny if they don’t clearly disclose limitations or make referrals.
🔎 Summary: When Non-MAT Facilities May or May Not Be Liable
| Situation | Liability Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faith-based or non-medical setting | Low (if disclosed) | Must document limitations and refer to MAT |
| Federally funded or licensed facility | High | Required to offer or refer to MAT |
| Denies services to MAT users | Very high | Likely ADA violation |
| Medical facility without MAT options | High | May violate clinical standard of care |
✅ Best Practices (Even for Non-MAT Facilities)
- Be transparent with patients about your treatment scope.
- Refer clients to external MAT providers when appropriate.
- Avoid denying care based on MAT use or status.
- Align all policies with federal guidance and civil rights laws.
In summary, while non-MAT programs may still operate under specific conditions, they are under increasing pressure to evolve. The ethical, clinical, and legal landscape is shifting toward universal access to evidence-based care. Facilities that ignore MAT risk not just losing credibility—but facing lawsuits, funding cuts, or worse: preventable harm to the people they aim to help.
Denied MAT? Here’s How People in Recovery Can Seek Justice and Accountability
When people with substance use disorders are denied access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), the consequences can be devastating—ranging from relapse to overdose, stigma, and even death. Fortunately, there are legal, regulatory, and advocacy pathways available to pursue justice and prevent further harm. Here’s how individuals can respond when their right to evidence-based care is denied:
⚖️ 1. File a Civil Rights Complaint
Under: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- People denied MAT may file complaints with:
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division
- Office for Civil Rights (OCR) – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- These complaints can address discrimination in:
- Healthcare settings
- Treatment programs
- Jails, prisons, and probation systems
✅ Example: The DOJ has filed lawsuits and reached settlements with jails and rehab centers that denied access to methadone or buprenorphine.
🏥 2. Report to State Licensing Boards or Accreditation Bodies
- If a licensed provider or facility discouraged or refused MAT:
- File a complaint with the state medical board or addiction treatment authority.
- Facilities accredited by CARF or The Joint Commission can also face audits for ignoring evidence-based care.
📋 3. File a Medical Malpractice or Negligence Claim
- If MAT denial caused harm (e.g., overdose, relapse, hospitalization), a civil malpractice lawsuit may be appropriate.
- Plaintiffs must show that the provider violated the standard of care by failing to offer or refer to MAT.
🧑⚖️ 4. Work with Public Interest Legal Organizations
- Nonprofits offering legal help and advocacy include:
- Legal Action Center
- National Health Law Program
- ACLU
- These groups assist in:
- Lawsuits against treatment discrimination
- Policy reform targeting jails, employers, housing providers, and insurers
🧠 5. Use Community Advocacy and Public Testimony
- Those harmed by MAT denial can:
- Testify at public hearings or state legislative sessions
- File complaints with state behavioral health departments
- Partner with advocates to support laws requiring MAT access
✅ Example: Public pressure and testimony have led several states to expand Medicaid MAT coverage and reform abstinence-only mandates.
✊ 6. Join or Build Peer-Led Accountability Groups
- Many harm reduction and recovery groups now track:
- Denied treatment or discrimination
- Harm from abstinence-only approaches
- These teams can file collective complaints, organize campaigns, or pursue legal action.
🧾 Evidence to Support a Claim May Include:
- Medical records showing MAT was appropriate but not offered
- Documentation of provider refusals
- Program policies or intake forms excluding MAT
- Witness testimony or professional support statements
People denied MAT have the right to seek justice through:
- Civil rights enforcement
- Medical licensing and regulatory complaints
- Malpractice lawsuits
- Legal and policy advocacy groups
- Public testimony and peer organizing
These pathways help hold systems accountable and push for equitable, evidence-based addiction care grounded in human dignity and recovery support. No one should be denied lifesaving treatment because of outdated beliefs or institutional bias.
How Families Can Fight Back When a Loved One Is Denied MAT for Addiction
Families are often the first line of defense when a loved one is denied access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)—a life-saving, evidence-based option for treating addiction. When systems fail, families can take powerful steps to document injustice, demand accountability, and push for reform. Here’s how:
🧭 1. Document Everything
- Collect medical records, discharge papers, and program documents.
- Write down what was said, who said it, and when MAT was denied or discouraged.
- These details are crucial for legal, civil, or advocacy action.
⚖️ 2. File a Formal Complaint
Families can help submit complaints or support their loved one in doing so.
Where to file:
- DOJ Civil Rights Division
- HHS Office for Civil Rights (if federally funded)
- State medical boards or behavioral health authorities
- Accrediting agencies like The Joint Commission or CARF
🧑⚖️ 3. Seek Legal Help
- Contact legal advocacy organizations like:
- In serious cases, consult a civil rights or malpractice attorney.
🏥 4. Challenge the Facility’s Policies
- Request to see the center’s treatment policies.
- Ask why MAT wasn’t offered and if referrals were available.
- Determine if the program is state-licensed or federally funded—they may be required to support MAT.
📣 5. Share the Story Publicly
- With permission, raise awareness via:
- Media coverage
- Public hearings or forums
- Social media or advocacy events
- Testimony can be powerful in driving policy change and public attention.
🧑🤝🧑 6. Join or Start a Peer Advocacy Group
- Partner with groups like:
- Shatterproof
- MAPDA (Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse)
- Partnership to End Addiction
- These communities offer shared support, amplify voices, and guide legal or policy efforts.
🧠 7. Educate and Empower
- Learn the science behind MAT to challenge stigma.
- Use credible sources like SAMHSA, NIDA, and harm reduction groups.
- Educate others that MAT is not replacing one drug with another—it’s medical care that saves lives.
✍️ 8. Push for Policy Change
- Support or introduce state legislation that:
- Prohibits MAT discrimination
- Requires licensed programs to offer or refer to MAT
- Funds provider training on MAT best practices
- Submit testimony or attend local legislative hearings to advocate for reform.
✅ In Summary:
Family strategies to pursue justice when MAT is denied include:
| Strategy | Action |
|---|---|
| Document everything | Save records, create timelines |
| File complaints | Contact civil rights and regulatory bodies |
| Get legal help | Partner with advocacy/legal organizations |
| Challenge policies | Request transparency, escalate if needed |
| Share publicly | Media, testimony, forums |
| Join forces | Family-led support/advocacy groups |
| Educate others | Fight stigma with science |
| Push for change | Support laws and policy reform |
Families have the power to demand accountability and protect their loved ones’ rights. When they speak up, systems can no longer ignore the urgency of access to MAT—and the lives that depend on it.
How Communities Can Advocate for MAT Access and Justice When It’s Denied
Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a life-saving turning point for individuals struggling with addiction. But when access is denied—due to stigma, ignorance, or institutional barriers—community-based action becomes essential. Local advocates, harm reduction groups, and health organizations have the power to ensure justice, accountability, and real access. Here’s how they can lead the way:
🏥 1. Connect People to MAT Providers
- Build and share local MAT directories with updated info on clinics, providers, and pharmacies.
- Offer peer navigators or case managers to help individuals find:
- Buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone access
- FQHCs, mobile MAT vans, or telehealth support
- 🔧 Tool: Partner with health departments to expand MAT through harm reduction or syringe programs.
⚖️ 2. Use Legal Aid and Civil Rights Support
- Collaborate with legal aid clinics or civil rights groups to:
- File complaints under the ADA or Section 504
- Address MAT denial in shelters, jails, or rehabs
- Train providers and shelter staff on legal responsibilities
- 💡 Example: Help shelters avoid discrimination lawsuits by allowing MAT access.
📣 3. Launch Public Awareness Campaigns
- Create and share culturally relevant materials that:
- Explain MAT clearly and debunk myths
- Emphasize that MAT is not replacing one drug with another, but is medical care
- Host events with:
- Peer recovery stories
- Medical experts
- Legal professionals
- 📚 Tactic: Use local radio, bus ads, libraries, churches, and shelters to spread the message.
🤝 4. Build MAT Access Coalitions
- Form local coalitions that include:
- Recovery and harm reduction organizations
- Public health leaders
- Criminal justice reform advocates
- Work together to:
- End MAT bans in court-mandated programs
- Expand pharmacy-based MAT access
- Adopt MAT-positive policies in local boards
- 🧭 Tactic: Document and report discriminatory MAT policies.
🧑⚖️ 5. Advocate for Policy and Funding
- Mobilize your community to demand:
- MAT availability in all public treatment programs
- Funding for low-barrier access to MAT
- MAT use in jails, prisons, and by law enforcement
- 📍 Example: Advocate for the use of opioid settlement funds to fund MAT expansion.
💬 6. Train Peers and Families to Advocate
- Host community workshops on:
- How to document and report MAT denial
- Legal rights and discrimination protections
- Storytelling and advocacy techniques
- 📢 Tactic: Create a downloadable “MAT Rights 101” toolkit for peer advocates and families.
📋 7. Create Oversight & Reporting Systems
- Develop anonymous tools to report MAT denial or discrimination:
- Confidential hotlines
- Online forms
- Use collected data to push for change with:
- Oversight agencies
- Local boards
- Elected officials
✅ In Summary:
| Strategy | Example |
|---|---|
| Link people to care | MAT directories, mobile clinics |
| Use legal supports | File ADA or civil rights complaints |
| Educate the public | Forums, flyers, social media campaigns |
| Build coalitions | Unified local advocacy groups |
| Influence policy | Push for MAT funding and law reform |
| Train peers & families | Workshops, “MAT Rights” kits |
| Collect data & reports | Tip lines and reporting platforms |
Communities are not powerless when MAT access is denied. With the right tools, collaboration, and voice, local advocates can enforce evidence-based care, dismantle discriminatory systems, and fight for the dignity and health of every person in recovery. Together, we create the momentum for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions:
Question: Provide a sample policy for MAT referral and compliancy policy.
Answer:
Sample Policy: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Referral and Compliance Policy
Facility Name: [Your Treatment Center]
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Review Date: [Insert Date Annually]
Approved By: [Director/Board Name]
1. Purpose
To establish clear, ethical, and legally compliant procedures for handling client requests for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), ensuring patients are not denied access, discriminated against, or misinformed about MAT, while maintaining the facility’s abstinence-based or non-prescribing model.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and affiliated programs at [Facility Name].
3. Policy Statement
[Facility Name] does not dispense or administer MAT medications (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone). However, we fully recognize the legal right of individuals to access MAT and are committed to upholding ethical standards and civil rights protections, including:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- State and local nondiscrimination laws
We will not deny services or admission solely based on a person’s MAT use or history, nor will we interfere with clients’ ongoing use of MAT prescribed by a licensed provider.
4. Procedures
A. Admission and Screening
- Staff shall not exclude or discharge a client solely because they are using or seeking MAT.
- All admissions staff must screen without bias and inform clients of this facility’s scope and MAT limitations.
B. Disclosure and Informed Consent
- Clients must be informed during intake:
- That the facility does not offer MAT directly
- That MAT is an evidence-based option they may pursue
- That referrals will be offered upon request
C. Referral Protocol
- Staff will provide timely and confidential referrals to MAT-friendly providers, including:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Local OTPs (Opioid Treatment Programs)
- MAT telehealth services, if applicable
- Referral contacts will be documented in the client’s file.
D. Ongoing Coordination
- Clients on MAT may continue their treatment during their stay, provided:
- Their prescribing physician verifies medication details
- A safe storage and medication protocol is followed (if applicable)
E. Staff Training
- All staff will receive annual training on:
- The science and legality of MAT
- Non-discrimination obligations
- Referral procedures and documentation
5. Client Rights
- Clients have the right to:
- Access accurate information about MAT
- Be referred to evidence-based care without delay or stigma
- File grievances if they believe they were discriminated against
6. Liability Protections
- Following this policy helps limit legal exposure by:
- Preventing discrimination claims under the ADA/Section 504
- Demonstrating good-faith compliance with federal standards
- Maintaining ethical standards and transparency in client care
7. Review and Updates
- This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect:
- Changes in federal/state regulations
- Developments in MAT science or referral resources
- Feedback from staff, clients, or legal counsel
8. Contacts for External Complaints
If a client believes their MAT rights were violated, they may contact:
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
- HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
- State Behavioral Health Licensing Authority
Signatures
Program Director: ________________________
Clinical Supervisor: ________________________
Legal Advisor (optional): ___________________
Date: ________________________
Question: Provide a printable toolkit for individuals seeking legal recourse after MAT was denied?
Answer:
Toolkit: Legal Recourse After MAT Denial
📘 What This Toolkit Is For
This toolkit is for individuals who have been denied access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder. It provides a printable guide to help you understand your rights, document your experience, and take legal or civil rights action.
⚖️ Know Your Rights
You have legal protections under:
- • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- • Affordable Care Act – Section 1557 (nondiscrimination in healthcare)
🗂️ Documentation Checklist
❑ Treatment center intake forms and discharge papers
❑ Written or verbal statements about denial of MAT
❑ Emails or texts with staff
❑ Medical records showing MAT was medically appropriate
❑ Name(s) of staff or providers who denied or discouraged MAT
❑ Witnesses or support professionals who can corroborate your experience
📍 Where to File Complaints
You can submit civil rights or licensing complaints to:
- • U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division: ada.gov
- • HHS Office for Civil Rights: hhs.gov/ocr
- • Your state’s medical or addiction treatment licensing board
- • Accrediting agencies like CARF or The Joint Commission
📞 Legal Help Resources
- • Legal Action Center (lac.org)
- • National Health Law Program (healthlaw.org)
- • ACLU (aclu.org)
- • Local legal aid or disability rights centers in your state
📝 Sample Notes Log Template
Use this template to write down what happened:
Date: ___________
Who you spoke to: ___________
What they said: ____________________________________________________
How it affected you: ________________________________________________
Next steps you took: ________________________________________________
📢 Advocacy Actions
You can also:
• Share your story with advocacy groups
• Testify at public forums or submit written statements
• Help push for local or state policies requiring MAT access
Question: Provide a tool kit for family in response to MAT denial.
Answer:
Family Action Guide: Navigating Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Denial
Purpose:
This guide empowers families to understand MAT denial, know their rights, and take effective action to support their loved ones struggling with addiction.
1. Understand MAT and Why It Matters
- MAT combines FDA-approved medications (like methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid and alcohol addiction.
- It is evidence-based and helps reduce relapse, overdose, and improve recovery outcomes.
If MAT is denied, it puts the person at greater risk.
2. Common Reasons MAT Is Denied
- Insurance coverage limits
- Provider refusal or stigma
- Facility policies restricting MAT
- Lack of knowledge about MAT benefits
- Regulatory or legal barriers
3. Know Your Rights
- Under federal law, denial of MAT can be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or parity laws requiring equal access to treatment.
- Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurers are required to cover MAT services.
- Families have the right to request an appeal or file a complaint if MAT is denied.
4. Steps to Take When MAT Is Denied
Step 1: Gather Information
- Get the denial reason in writing (insurance letter, provider notes).
- Collect medical records and treatment history.
- Document conversations with providers or insurers.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider
- Ask why MAT was denied and what the appeals process is.
- File an internal appeal immediately (most have 30-60 days).
Step 3: Seek Legal or Advocacy Support
- Contact local addiction advocacy groups or legal aid specializing in health care rights.
- Reach out to state insurance commissioners or health departments.
- Use resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for guidance.
Step 4: Explore Alternative Access
- Look for clinics or providers accepting your insurance or offering sliding scale fees.
- Ask about other FDA-approved MAT medications that might be approved.
5. Family Support Strategies
- Stay informed and advocate calmly and persistently.
- Support your loved one emotionally during this difficult time.
- Connect with local or online family support groups (e.g., Al-Anon, Nar-Anon).
- Encourage continued engagement in other therapy or support programs.
6. Resources and Contacts
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
- State Insurance Commissioner: [Insert local contact]
- Legal Aid Services: [Insert local contact]
- Local Addiction Advocacy Groups: [Insert names/contacts]
7. Sample Letter Template to Appeal MAT Denial
(Customize with patient and provider info)
Dear [Insurance Provider],
I am writing to formally appeal the denial of coverage for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for my [family member], [patient name]. MAT is an evidence-based, medically necessary treatment for opioid use disorder and is critical to [patient name]’s recovery and well-being.
Please reconsider this decision in accordance with federal parity laws and medical standards of care.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your name, contact info]
Printable Checklist
- Get denial letter and documentation
- Request appeals instructions
- Contact legal/advocacy resources
- Support loved one emotionally
- Explore alternative treatment options
- Follow up on appeals regularly
Conclusion
The refusal to offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is not just outdated—it can be medically negligent and legally indefensible under current government policies and disability protections. Facilities that do not provide or refer to MAT may face serious liability, especially when they deny individuals evidence-based care. To address these gaps, individuals can engage in self-advocacy, while families and communities can mobilize legal, educational, and support resources to demand fair access to treatment. By leveraging civil rights laws, public awareness, and coordinated local action, we can promote MAT compliance, reduce discrimination, and ensure that all people with substance use disorders receive the life-saving care they deserve.