The report discusses Medicaid coverage of FDA-approved medications for treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders (OUDs), limitations on coverage (such as prior authorization requirements), background on federal laws and policies and innovative practices and policies at the state level. The 100+ page report can be downloaded at: … [Read more...] about New Resource From SAMHSA: Medicaid Coverage Of MAT For Alcohol And OUDs And Of Medication For The Reversal Of Opioid Overdose
2018
Nurse Denied Life Insurance Coverage Because She Specializes In Addiction Treatment
“The opioid epidemic in the United States claims thousands of lives every year, to the point where many medical professionals are now taking extreme measures to help people who are suffering from addiction. For many, this includes carrying the drug naloxone on them at all times. One such medical professional is Isela, a nurse specializing in addiction treatment at the Boston … [Read more...] about Nurse Denied Life Insurance Coverage Because She Specializes In Addiction Treatment
Study Finds Increasing Use, And Misuse, Of Benzodiazepines
“More than one in eight U.S. adults (12.6 percent) used benzodiazepines in the past year, up from previous reports. Misuse of the prescription drugs accounted for more than 17 percent of overall use, according to a study published online today in Psychiatric Services in Advance. The researchers defined misuse as any way a doctor did not direct, including using the drug without … [Read more...] about Study Finds Increasing Use, And Misuse, Of Benzodiazepines
Journal Article Abstract – Cost-Effectiveness of Buprenorphine–Naloxone Versus Extended-Release Naltrexone to Prevent Opioid Relapse
Background Not enough evidence exists to compare buprenorphine–naloxone with extended-release naltrexone for treating opioid use disorder. Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of buprenorphine–naloxone versus extended-release naltrexone. Target Population Adults with opioid use disorder. Outcome Measures Incremental costs combined with incremental … [Read more...] about Journal Article Abstract – Cost-Effectiveness of Buprenorphine–Naloxone Versus Extended-Release Naltrexone to Prevent Opioid Relapse
US Urges Doctors To Write More Rx For Overdose Antidote
“The U.S. government told doctors Wednesday to consider prescribing medications that reverse overdoses to many more patients who take opioid painkillers in a move that could add more than $1 billion in health care costs. Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir, a doctor appointed by President Donald Trump, announced the guidance, saying it's important for doctors to … [Read more...] about US Urges Doctors To Write More Rx For Overdose Antidote