Medicaid's Role in Expanding Access to Opioid Addiction Treatment, New Research Shows

Recent research from Rutgers University highlights the critical importance of Medicaid in facilitating treatment for individuals with opioid-use disorder. Despite advancements, progress in providing life-saving medication such as buprenorphine has plateaued over recent years, with disparities among states. The study examined trends in prescription fills for opioid-treatment medications from 2018 to 2024, revealing that states which expanded Medicaid coverage experienced significant increases in treatment prescriptions. Conversely, states that did not expand Medicaid saw declines in treatment rates after 2022. The findings underscore that Medicaid policies significantly influence population-level access to effective drug treatments.

The study, published in Health Affairs, analyzed pharmacy claims data across the U.S., comparing Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance trends. Dr. Stephen Crystal, the study's lead author, pointed out that states that expanded Medicaid saw a 27.3% rise in buprenorphine prescribing. States like Virginia, Utah, and Missouri notably doubled or tripled their Medicaid-funded treatments, leading to substantial improvements in local populations. However, stark disparities remain, with many states lagging behind.

Despite the availability of effective treatments, more than 80,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2024. Major barriers include policy inconsistencies and financial hurdles, especially for low-income individuals, who are most affected by opioid-use disorder. Medicaid, being a primary payer for buprenorphine, plays a pivotal role in treatment access. States that have expanded Medicaid and implemented policies such as removing prior authorization requirements have shown better treatment outcomes. For example, New Jersey has successfully increased access through Medicaid reforms.

Overall, the research emphasizes that expanding Medicaid eligibility and reducing disenrollment are essential strategies in addressing the opioid crisis. However, ongoing fiscal pressures and legislative changes pose challenges to maintaining and expanding these gains. Continued efforts to promote equitable access to medication-assisted treatment are vital in reducing overdose deaths and supporting recovery efforts across the nation. Gains observed in states with proactive Medicaid policies demonstrate the potential for widespread improvement, but a unified national approach is crucial for lasting progress.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-medicaid-crucial-access-treatment-opioid.html]