A recent study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University revealed that expanded Medicaid waivers for addiction treatment have had minimal impact on reducing opioid overdose rates across the United States. Despite allowing residential facilities with over 16 beds to receive Medicaid funding since 2015, the study found no significant increases in treatment rates or decreases in nonfatal overdoses in the 17 states that implemented these waivers between 2017 and 2019. Only modest gains were made in the use of medications like methadone and buprenorphine, which are considered effective for treating opioid addiction. Alarmingly, over half of Medicaid enrollees with an opioid use disorder in these states still did not receive treatment during the study period, highlighting significant gaps in access.
Researchers emphasise that while the Medicaid waivers mark an important policy shift, they are insufficient to curb the nation’s opioid crisis. Suggested measures include easing restrictions on methadone distribution, increasing access to life-saving naloxone, and addressing stigma in healthcare settings. These steps, coupled with stronger federal regulations, are seen as vital to expanding treatment to underserved populations and reducing the devastating toll of opioid addiction. For more details, visit Oregon Capital Chronicle and OHSU News.
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