Substance use treatment
The Health Care Authority (HCA) provides funding and oversight for substance use treatment services for people enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid).
On this page
What types of treatments are covered by Apple Health?
- Alcohol use treatment
- Involuntary treatment
- Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)
- Opioid use treatment
Who provides treatment services?
Drug and alcohol treatment services are covered by:
- Behavioral health organizations (BHOs)
- Apple Health fee-for-service (FFS) program
How do I become an Apple Health provider?
To learn more about becoming a provider, visit our Become a behavioral health provider page.
Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT)
SBIRT is a model for early intervention and treatment for people with, or at risk of developing, substance use disorders. The SBIRT approach:
- Provides universal screening for substance use.
- Detects risky or hazardous substance use that may lead to abuse or dependence.
- Offers early intervention and timely referral and treatment for people who have substance use disorders.
Do I need certification to use SBIRT?
Yes. Providers must be certified in the SBIRT model to implement this approach and offer SBIRT services.
How do I become SBIRT certified?
Take the HealtheKnowledge seven-module SBIRT course.
Completing this course meets HCA's three and a half-hour training requirement to be certified to submit billing and provide, or supervise individuals providing, SBIRT services.
Tools and resources for substance use professionals
- Alcohol: Know the facts — What is a standard drink? (waiting area poster)
- Alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment resources (SAMHSA)
- Medications for opioid use disorder
- Paying for Primary Care Services: Substance user disorder setting and the MAT billing process
- Recovery means healthy families (waiting area poster)
- Training and toolkits for opioid misuse and overdose prevention (stopoverdose.org)
For additional billing- and reporting-related resources, visit our Resources for behavioral health providers page.