News & Updates Program Brief

Issue Brief: Leveraging Medicaid Policy to Enhance Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

October 27, 2021

 
Medicaid is the single largest payer for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, covering nearly 40 percent of non-elderly adults who sought treatment in 2017. In states that have expanded Medicaid coverage to more low-income adults, more people now have access to medications for opioid use disorder, the standard of treatment. In a new issue brief, FORE grantees from the Legal Action Center, the National Academy for State Health Policy, and Rutgers University describe how their organizations are assessing the impact of Medicaid expansion and pandemic-era policy changes on OUD treatment. Their work is helping to identify opportunities to better meet the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries.