USA - Kentucky's new law threatens to defund thousands of peer support specialists vital to recovery, effective Jan 1.

USA - Kentucky's new law threatens to defund thousands of peer support specialists vital to recovery, effective Jan 1. Only 50 have met the strict new licensing out of 16,883 – risking jobs, sobriety, and lives amid the opioid crisis. ​ Kentucky Lantern reports HB 505, meant to curb Medicaid abuse, creates chaos: Medicaid won't reimburse temporary credentials, slashing hours for specialists like Chris Sudduth ($15-18/hr), who fears losing his apartment and sobriety after 3 years clean. Advocates like Grin Grant Inc. demand enforcement suspension; Rep. Kim Moser eyes fixes including a dedicated peer board. Providers warn of relapses in a state with one of America's deadliest opioid epidemics.