Kentuckians deserve confidence that every public dollar invested in addiction treatment is spent wisely, transparently and in service of real recovery outcomes.  Recent reporting on Medicaid billing practices in the substance use disorder (SUD) system has understandably raised concerns. At moment s like this, the right response is not to become defensive, but more transparent.  Visibility is a tool, not a weapon, and it can safeguard the integrity of a system that exists to save lives.  Significant investments in addressing substance use disorder expanded access to care in communities that once had none, but access alone is not enough. Payment structures must align with evidence-based practices and measurable outcomes, not just volume.       One area that has demanded closer review is the use of peer support specialists. Peers connect people in treatment with others who have sustained long-term recovery and can help them stay engaged in care. That kind of support can provide credibility, encouragement, and accountability that clinical care alone may not always offer. When used appropriately, it has been proven to improve engagement, retention and long-term recovery.  KY recovery providers unite to make treatment more effective, advocate for Medicaid reform The best practice is clear: peer support should complement, not replace, clinical services; be delivered with appropriate training, supervision and role clarity, and be deployed strategically throughout treatment and recovery support services. Responsible providers have long adhered to these principles, and we believe policy should reinforce, not distort them. Systems fail when they operate in silos and that is precisely why the Kentucky Nonprofit Recovery Alliance (KNRA) requested Senate Joint Resolution 74, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm and championed in the House by Rep. Chris Lewis, calling for a comprehensive fiscal mapping of all spending on substance use disorder across the commonwealth. The intent is simple: to increase transparency around how public funds are being used, what services they support, and most importantly what results they achieve for Kentuckians. Understanding where all the services lie will enable the industry the opportunity to make them work even better, together. We applaud the Kentucky General Assembly for leaning into this moment rather than looking away. We must always identify misalignment, and course-correct where necessary. By embracing transparency and reinforcing best practices, Kentucky can strengthen its treatment and recovery systems. Long-term recovery affects far more than the health and life of the person it transformed. It impacts family stability, public safety, workforce participation and local economies. When we invest in quality recovery, we invest in a healthier, more resilient Kentucky. The post Recovery works only with transparency and trust  appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less