Projected Medicaid cuts threaten opioid treatment access

Experts warn that Medicaid cuts could lead to increased opioid overdose deaths.

Projected Medicaid cuts linked to rising opioid deaths

A recent analysis of the Republican tax bill reveals potential dangers for opioid addiction treatment. If Medicaid cuts are enacted, 156,000 individuals may lose access to addiction medications like methadone and buprenorphine. According to researchers from Boston University and the University of Pennsylvania, this could double overdose rates among these individuals, resulting in approximately 1,000 additional opioid-related deaths each year. The researchers cite existing data that shows those using these medications are significantly less likely to die from overdoses. Although drug-related deaths have seen a decline in recent years, deep cuts to Medicaid could reverse these gains, raising serious concerns among addiction specialists.

The implications of these Medicaid cuts extend beyond just the immediate statistics. While the current analysis projects an alarming number of additional deaths, experts emphasize that the true impact may be far greater. This underlines the critical need for continuing support and funding for addiction treatment programs, especially those tied to Medicaid. Failure to address this could lead not only to loss of lives but also to setbacks in progressing against the opioid crisis. The stigma around effective treatments further complicates the situation, as many individuals with opioid use disorder do not receive necessary care, which could worsen with these cuts.

Highlights

The stakes are high as deliberations over healthcare funding continue.