KyAPAC Policy Priorities 2026
PAR's 2026 legislative priorities, informed by Kentuckians in recovery.
Our members wrote the agenda.
The Kentucky Addiction Policy Advocacy Council is the legislative arm of PAR — organizing stakeholders across the state to deliver a clear, respectful, evidence-based message to legislators.
These priorities were informed by organizations, people with lived experience, and community conversations across the commonwealth. It is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point to ensure recovery is centered in policy.
Five barriers, ranked by the people who face them.
Housing instability & recovery housing shortages
Ensure every level of recovery housing is available across the commonwealth and expand affordable housing access.
A majority of respondents identified the lack of stable, affordable housing as a critical barrier — both general affordability and specialized recovery housing for people transitioning out of treatment. Without a safe place to live, people leaving treatment struggle to maintain recovery. Expanding funding for recovery residences, sober living homes, and housing assistance was the most frequently cited priority. Source
Transportation barriers
Strengthen transportation infrastructure.
Especially acute in rural areas and for people without a personal vehicle. Without transportation, people cannot access counseling, outpatient programs, support meetings, or residential treatment. Transit vouchers or shuttle services for treatment could greatly improve access to recovery in many communities. Source
Treatment cost & insurance constraints
Innovate payment systems that support higher outcomes and retention.
High costs of programs, therapy, and medications, plus inadequate insurance coverage, put treatment out of reach for many. Gaps in Medicaid coverage — like losing eligibility once someone gets a job — interrupt care. There is a need for policy solutions that expand coverage, increase state funding for longer-term care, and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Source
Employment & reentry support
Value the peer workforce and expand second-chance hiring.
People with a history of substance use or a criminal record struggle to find jobs. We highlight the need for more second-chance employers and for Peer Recovery Support Specialists to be recognized as a profession. Without stable employment, it's harder to sustain recovery and regain independence. Source
Family responsibilities & childcare
Support parents so no one has to choose between their kids and their care.
Parents of young children often have no safe or affordable childcare while they attend treatment or recovery meetings, and the fear of losing custody keeps many from entering programs. Family-centered facilities and childcare assistance during recovery programs would remove a major barrier. Source
What we're asking Congress to do.
Strengthen Medicaid coverage
Cover the full continuum of SUD treatment and recovery supports — MAT, intensive outpatient, residential when needed, and community-based supports — and prohibit arbitrary restrictions. Medicaid is the foundation of comprehensive substance use care.
Expand SAMHSA's peer capacity
Strengthen Recovery Community Organizations, peer support specialists, recovery housing, and family-centered programs, with national standards for certification and data reporting. Peer services increase engagement and reduce relapse risk.
Scale community-based supports
Create federal incentives for states to expand non-clinical recovery supports. Recovery housing delivers a $22 return for every $1 invested through increased employment, reduced justice involvement, and lower healthcare use.