WASHINGTON – As the U.S. begins to see a decline in drug overdose deaths, a new report from Democrats on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee warns that proposed Medicaid cuts could undermine recent progress in combating the opioid crisis.
The report, released Monday, highlights that approximately one million people currently receive medication for opioid use disorder (OUD) through Medicaid. Lawmakers note the true number is likely even higher, as data from New York and Illinois was not included in the total.
“Medication treatment is the gold standard for treatment of opioid use disorder. Medications – such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone – provide patients with relief from withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to function normally without the use of illicit opioids,” the letter reads.
A study released by Brookings Institution this year found that nearly 90 percent of medical treatment for opioid addiction in the U.S. is paid for at least in part through Medicaid.
In South Dakota, where the nonprofit Emily’s Hope is based, more than 400 Medicaid beneficiaries with OUD are receiving medication treatment—one of the lowest totals in the country. By contrast, Pennsylvania tops the list with 84,445 people in treatment, followed by Ohio with 82,079.
