AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills‘ effort to increase access to opioid treatment program for residents is being threatened by a federal requirement in the Medicaid program.

The state Legislature tabled a bill that would have increased reimbursement rates by 8% this month for those offering medication-assisted treatment to Medicaid patients.

The bill is being blocked by a federal provision called the upper payment limit provision, which controls Medicaid costs.

State taxpayers would now be responsible for any costs above the limit.

This hurdle comes at a time when the state is overwhelmed by the opioid crisis, with 354 drug overdose deaths in 2018 and 417 in 2017.

The Portland Press Herald reports this issue is a top priority for Mills.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.