Journal of psychoactive drugs
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Apr 2017
Commercial Health Plan Coverage of Selected Treatments for Opioid Use Disorders from 2003 to 2014.
Opioid use disorders (OUDs) are receiving significant attention in the U. S. as a public health crisis. Access to treatment for OUDs is essential and was expected to improve following implementation of the federal parity law and the Affordable Care Act. ⋯ Results showed treatment for OUDs was covered by nearly all health plan products in each year of the survey, but the types and patterns varied by year. Prior authorization requirements for OTPs have decreased over time. Despite the promise of expanded access to OUD treatment suggested by parity and the ACA, improved health plan coverage for treatment of OUDs, while essential, is not sufficient to address the opioid crisis.