This 2019 report from the Urban Institute analyzed Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data to assess variation in buprenorphine prescriptions across state Medicaid programs between 2011 and 2018. The report found that while buprenorphine prescriptions during the time period increased overall, substantial variation existed in state prescribing rates. Use of buprenorphine or other medications as part of treatment for opioid use disorder is considered an evidence-based practice, and the documented low prescribing rates in some states may indicated a need to implement policy or procedural reforms to reduce barriers and increase access to treatment. Authors: L. Clemans-Cope, V. Lynch, E. Winiski, & M. Epstein.
Funding Source: Laura and John Arnold Foundation
State Variations in Medicaid Prescriptions for Opioid Use Disorder from 2011 to 2018
A report on state variation in Medicaid prescriptions for buprenorphine between 2011 and 2018 from the Urban Institute.