SUD Policy in Tennessee/State Level Advocacy
- Understand the Policy Landscape: Identify key federal and state policies impacting addiction treatment and recovery services.
- Advocate for Evidence-Based Practices: Learn how to advocate for the integration of evidence-based approaches to addiction care in federal and state health systems.
- Engage in Legislative Processes: Gain awareness of the legislative processes at both federal and state levels and the role healthcare providers play in shaping addiction policy.
- Address Stigma Through Advocacy: Develop strategies to reduce stigma associated with addiction through targeted advocacy at the federal and state levels.
- Promote Access to Treatment: Identify advocacy opportunities to promote equitable access to addiction treatment, including removing barriers like insurance limitations or regulatory restrictions.
- Collaborate with Key Stakeholders: Explore ways to collaborate with advocacy groups, professional organizations, and government agencies to influence addiction policy reform.
- Monitor Policy Changes: Learn methods for tracking and responding to federal and state policy changes that affect addiction treatment and recovery efforts.
Cory Barton Bio
Corey Barton is the Director of Advocacy and Government Relations for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), where he advocates for expanding access to addiction treatment. While at ASAM, Corey has worked on several initiatives, including securing
crucial coverage of new Medicare services to treat addiction, revamping ASAM’s state advocacy portfolio, and leading several initiatives, including ASAM’s response to medication access issues at pharmacies, the charge for expanded telemedicine rules, development of new payment models to treat addiction, and the response to federal rules that would reschedule marijuana. Corey previously led successful advocacy efforts at the American College of Physicians (ACP) to secure Medicare coverage of patients’ visits with their physician via telephone-only technologies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as expert technical assistance following revisions to evaluation and management services. Corey earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and his Master of Public Health in Health Policy from The George Washington University.
E XPERIENCE
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) May 2021 – Present
Associate Director, Advocacy and Government Relations
• Directs ASAM’s state advocacy and government relations portfolio, including working with ASAM’s 41 state chapters to develop strategies for responding to state legislative and regulatory developments related to addiction prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery
• Supervises direct report’s work with state chapter leaders and other state-based partner organizations to respond to state legislative and regulatory opportunities/challenges through joint letters, meetings, testimony preparation, and grassroots advocacy
• Provides experienced support for ongoing national activities of the ASAM Advocacy and Government Relations Department, including development of public policy statements, and Congressional correspondence
• Manages ASAM’s grasstops program and tools, including development of quarterly advocacy trainings
• Cultivates productive relationships with other medical societies, advocacy/trade organizations, and commercial insurers
• Represents ASAM’s interests through participation in public and private meetings, on working groups, and at conferences
American College of Physicians (ACP) October 2019 – April 2021
Associate, Regulatory Affairs
• Successfully led advocacy efforts to secure Medicare coverage of patients’ visits with their physician via telephone during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Developed and maintained communication channels with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and other federal and state agencies
• Maintained extensive knowledge of physician fee schedules, as well as health insurer policies on cost, coverage, and access
• Independently analyzed impacts of federal regulatory and legislative proposals, and prepared presentations for ACP’s Board of Governors, chapter leaders, and College members
• Advocated for healthcare access, quality, and sustainability with public/private health plans, primarily on coding,
billing, and payment policy issues
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) July 2017 – October 2019
Senior Manager, Private Sector Relations
• Built relationships with key Congressional offices to secure passage of federal legislation (SUPPORT Act of 2018) that included innovative addiction treatment payment methodologies
• Analyzed the impact of federal regulations on addiction medicine practitioners and prepared comprehensive comments
for submission to the Federal Register
• Developed and maintained relationships with public/private payers, federal regulatory agencies, Congressional offices and private sector entities to advance access to quality, evidence-based treatment for addiction
• Assisted in the development and dissemination of innovative payment and care delivery models
• Provided staff support to ASAM’s Primary Current Procedural Technology (CPT) Advisor and served as staff liaison to the American Medical Association’s (AMAs) CPT Editorial Panel and RVS Update Committee (RUC)
• Assisted in the development of policy positions and co-led development of ASAM’s policy statement on prevention
• Responded to member needs and questions related to payer coverage, pharmacy access, and provider payment
for addiction treatment services
Capitol Counsel October 2016 – May 2017
Healthcare Fellow
• Attended and summarized congressional hearings and briefings by health-related organizations on issues affecting patient access to health care treatment
• Regularly researched, synthesized, and summarized health policy initiatives related to Medicare coverage,
payment, design, and reform
• Monitored and communicated urgent legislative and regulatory updates to clients
• Created presentations and documents for meetings with provider and payer groups, biotechnology organizations, and foundations
E DUCATION
The George Washington University
Master of Public Health in Health Policy – May 2017 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – May 2014
COMMUNITY SERVICE/AWARDS RECEIVED
Gates Millennium Scholar (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) May 2010 – Present
Community Advisory Board (CAB) Member
Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA) – Arlington County, VA February 2021 – Present
• Meets with the OCA regularly to provide input on criminal justice reform and public safety, analyze policy for equity impact, and keep the community informed of the office’s goals and