Report Highlights Gap in Medication Access for Medicaid Recipients with Opioid Addiction
A recent report reveals that nearly one-third of Medicaid recipients dealing with opioid addiction are not receiving the necessary medication to help them overcome their condition. The analysis, which draws from 2021 enrollment, eligibility, and claims data, indicates significant disparities in medication access based on age, race, and states. The findings emphasize the urgent need for Medicaid to improve access to these treatments and ensure that those struggling with opioid addiction receive the support they require.
According to the report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid has the potential to make a significant impact in addressing the opioid crisis, as it covers almost 40% of non-elderly adults with opioid use disorder. However, the analysis reveals that more than half a million people covered by Medicaid and suffering from opioid addiction did not receive medication.
Dr. Bradley Stein, director of the RAND Opioid Policy Center, expressed concern that the numbers of individuals not receiving treatment could be even higher. He urged for more attention to be given to communities that continue to struggle with access to medication, asking whether the current successes can be sustained in the long run.
The medications for addiction, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, have been shown to effectively reduce cravings and aid in the recovery process. However, the report highlights disparities in access, particularly regarding race and ethnicity. In the 15 states that provided data on race and ethnicity, only 53% of Black patients with opioid use disorder received medication, compared to 70% of their white counterparts. This disparity is worrisome given the significant increase in overdose deaths among Black individuals.
Age also plays a role in medication access, with only 11% of individuals under 19 receiving the necessary treatment, compared to 70% of those aged 19 to 44. Additionally, less than half of individuals aged 65 and older with opioid addiction were receiving medication.
The report also identifies variations in medication coverage among different states. Rhode Island and Vermont stand out with nearly 90% of those covered by Medicaid receiving the necessary medication, while Illinois and Mississippi lag behind with less than 40% coverage. These differences can be attributed to varying state policies regarding opioid addiction treatment.
The barriers to treatment highlighted in the report include stigma, difficulty finding providers willing to prescribe medication, and lack of awareness among patients. To address these challenges, the report suggests several steps for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take. These include the creation of a social media campaign and fact sheets to increase awareness and educate individuals about medication options.
However, some experts find these recommendations insufficient. Dr. Ayana Jordan, an associate professor of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, criticizes the suggestions as infuriating. She emphasizes the need for solutions that tackle medication shortages in pharmacies serving communities of color and incentives for healthcare providers to collaborate with churches and community organizations to increase prescribing.
The opioid crisis continues to claim lives, with over 80,000 people dying from opioid overdoses in 2021, marking a 17% increase from previous years. The urgency to address the gap in medication access for Medicaid recipients with opioid addiction is clear.
The report underscores the pressing need for improvements in Medicaid policies to ensure that individuals struggling with opioid addiction have access to life-saving medication. By addressing barriers such as stigma, provider availability, and patient awareness, Medicaid can play a critical role in combating the opioid crisis. It is crucial for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to take decisive action and collaborate with healthcare providers, communities, and stakeholders to improve access, provide support, and ultimately save lives.
