In the News: Medicaid, Psychedelic Therapy, and Policy Developments

Wisconsin’s Medicaid Coverage for IV Ketamine Therapy

As of January 1, 2025, Wisconsin Medicaid has expanded its coverage to include intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy for patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), including those experiencing suicidality. This groundbreaking decision positions Wisconsin among the first states to offer this innovative treatment through a Medicaid program. Eligible patients, upon obtaining prior authorization, can now access a therapy that has demonstrated significant promise in alleviating severe depression symptoms, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have been ineffective.

This development presents a pivotal opportunity to enhance patient outcomes by integrating supportive services—such as preparation and integration sessions that are culturally relevant and accessing available social services (e.g. transportation) that make the care model feasible —alongside ketamine infusions. 

Implementing a pilot program that combines these supportive services with IV ketamine therapy could yield valuable data, demonstrating improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Such evidence would be instrumental in advocating for comprehensive coverage of the therapeutic components of ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) by Medicaid and other insurance providers. 

We are actively exploring collaborations with experienced local facilitators and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to deliver high-quality KAT care. Establishing positive outcomes in Wisconsin could serve as a compelling model for other states considering similar coverage expansions.

New Jersey’s Legislative Progress on Psilocybin Therapy

New Jersey is making significant strides toward legalizing psilocybin-assisted therapy. The state’s Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act recently advanced through the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, moving closer to a full Senate vote. If enacted, the bill would establish a regulated framework for psilocybin production and therapeutic use under professional supervision. Read more from NorthJersey.com.

Public opinion in New Jersey appears supportive of such measures. A Stockton University poll found that 55% of respondents favor legalizing psilocybin for medical use, indicating a favorable climate for legislative action. View the poll results from Stockton University.

Additional Resources on New Jersey’s Psilocybin Initiatives

   •   New Jersey Senate Panel Approves Psilocybin Therapy Legalization Bill (Marijuana Moment)

   •   New Jersey Psilocybin Legalization Bill Advances in State Senate (Remind Media)