Policy & Science General Session – Medicaid Matters: Policy Changes and Implications for Practice

Saturday, April 25, 2026

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM PT

Location: Seaport Ballroom, Level 2

Presenter(s)

YO

Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH, DFASAM

National Advisor
Manatt Health Services
Baltimore, Maryland
Regina LaBelle, JD

Professor, Director
Georgetown University
Washington, District of Columbia

Slides
Katie Greene, MPP

Director, Population and Public Health
National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP)
Washington , District of Columbia

Moderator(s)

Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM

Chief Medical Officer
Pathway Healthcare Services, LLC
Jonesboro, Georgia

This session examines recent and emerging federal and state policy changes shaping Medicaid and their implications for addiction medicine practice. Panelists review key legislative, regulatory, and budgetary shifts, including community engagement requirements, funding changes, and evolving federal priorities. The discussion highlights the interconnected “domino effect” across funding streams (Medicaid, block grants, and state resources) and the resulting challenges for care delivery and patient access. Speakers also explore how states are responding through policy implementation, financing strategies, and system redesign amid uncertainty and leadership turnover. Attendees gain practical insights on navigating policy changes, educating patients and stakeholders, and advocating to sustain and strengthen SUD systems of care.

Learning Objectives:

Learners will be able to:

Analyze recent federal and state Medicaid policy changes and assess their impact on access to addiction treatment, funding streams, and SUD systems of care.
Evaluate implementation challenges and system-level responses, including community engagement requirements, coverage changes, and evolving funding constraints across states.
Apply policy-informed strategies to clinical practice and advocacy, including patient education, program adaptation, and engagement with policymakers to support equitable access to care.

Disclosure(s):

Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH, DFASAM: No financial relationships to disclose

Regina LaBelle, JD: Indivior: The Master's program I direct received $20,000 for students to attend conferences. I do not receive any of these funds but wanted to disclose. (Ongoing)

Katie Greene, MPP: No financial relationships to disclose

Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM: No financial relationships to disclose