Addressing the Opioid Epidemic through Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, and Deterrence
The opioid epidemic requires a system-wide response. Elevance Health and its affiliated health plans partner with a range of stakeholders including policymakers, consumers, care providers, law enforcement, and others to promote prevention, improve treatment and recovery, and deter potentially harmful behavior.
Opioids have had a profound impact on overall health and wellbeing in the U.S. They contributed to over two-thirds of drug overdose deaths in 2017 — resulting in more deaths than the HIV/AIDS epidemic at its peak in 1995. Opioids have cost the U.S. economy over $1 trillion between 2001 and 2017 due to lost productivity and higher healthcare spending, among other factors.
Elevance Health and its affiliated health plans are at the forefront in preventing and treating opioid misuse and opioid use disorder. Plans are taking steps to reduce opioid prescriptions while enhancing access to services such as Medication-Assisted Treatment and alternative treatments for chronic pain.
Related Public Policy Research
Connecting Medicaid Beneficiaries to Social Supports for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
MCOs partner with states to facilitate access to supports and address gaps in housing, job training, and other drivers that affect the health and wellbeing of beneficiaries with MH/SUD.
Strategies for Effective Sharing of Behavioral Health Information in Medicaid Managed Care
Sharing patient data between physical health and mental health and/or substance use providers is necessary for integration of care, but is often hindered by complex laws and regulations.
Value-Based Care Models for Mental Health and Substance Use Services in Medicaid
Medicaid MCOs are increasingly adopting value-based care models that incentivize an integrated approach to the identification and treatment of MH/SUD, along with physical health conditions.