City Council reviews Riverview wellness village's recovery bed capacity and Medicaid reimbursements

During a recent budget hearing held by the Philadelphia City Council, significant discussions centered around the city's wellness village and its capacity to support individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Council members expressed concerns about the current state of intensive treatment beds and the availability of recovery beds, highlighting a critical gap in the city's support system for those transitioning from treatment to recovery.

The wellness village, which offers recovery beds, currently faces challenges in reaching its full capacity due to the limited number of intensive treatment beds available. Council members questioned the city's ability to scale up these intensive beds concurrently with the recovery beds, emphasizing that without sufficient treatment options, the wellness village may struggle to serve those in need effectively.

City officials reported that there are approximately 3,000 treatment beds available within the ecosystem, while the recovery bed capacity has recently increased to nearly 1,000 beds following the addition of 336 beds at Riverview. However, officials acknowledged that the recovery bed capacity still falls short of matching the treatment bed availability, which is essential for ensuring that individuals have a safe place to go after completing treatment.

Another critical point raised during the meeting was the issue of Medicaid reimbursement for services provided at the wellness village. While the administration confirmed that primary care and substance use disorder treatments are reimbursable, they clarified that the city does not directly receive these funds. Instead, reimbursements go to the providers, which helps offset their costs. The city is actively working with state and federal partners to unlock additional Medicaid funding for various treatment services.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the management of residents at Riverview, particularly those who may relapse during their stay. Council members questioned the facility's policies on discharging individuals who relapse, as this could lead to them returning to the streets without adequate support. City officials acknowledged the importance of maintaining safety standards within the facility but also recognized the need for tracking individuals who are discharged to better understand their subsequent paths and ensure they receive the necessary support.

As the city continues to navigate these complex issues, the discussions from the budget hearing underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to substance use recovery that addresses both treatment and long-term support for individuals in the community. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and funding decisions aimed at improving the wellness ecosystem in Philadelphia.