The Michigan Legislature's Appropriations Subcommittee on Medicaid and Behavioral Health convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical funding strategies for addiction services across the state. A key focus of the meeting was the Stronger Together program, which aims to provide accessible, trauma-informed care for individuals facing addiction, regardless of their insurance status. This initiative has shown promising results, particularly in Sterling Heights, where overdose rates have dramatically decreased from 130 to fewer than 30 annually since 2020, thanks to community-based care and the distribution of Narcan.

Sam Price, CEO of the 10 16 Recovery Network, emphasized the importance of transparency in the allocation of opioid settlement funds. He expressed concern over the current budget process, which includes significant earmarks favoring a limited number of providers in urban areas, potentially neglecting the needs of rural and underserved communities. Price argued for a competitive procurement process that would allow all providers, regardless of their location or size, to propose innovative solutions tailored to their regions. He highlighted that such an approach would ensure fairness, accountability, and the effective use of taxpayer dollars.

The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing addiction services amid fiscal uncertainties, including declining tax revenues and potential cuts to Medicaid funding. Price urged the committee to prioritize a transparent strategy that would foster trust and maximize the impact of every dollar spent on addiction services. The meeting concluded with a call for a collaborative effort to reshape how Michigan responds to addiction, ensuring that all communities receive the support they need.