The recent Republican tax bill has stirred up concerns among health economics researchers regarding its potential impact on individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction. A group of researchers from Boston University and the University of Pennsylvania have estimated that the cuts to Medicaid included in the bill could lead to a significant increase in fatal overdoses among those receiving treatment for opioid use disorder.
According to their analysis, approximately 156,000 people could lose access to medications for opioid use disorder as a result of the Medicaid cuts. This loss of access is projected to double the overdose rate within this group, resulting in an additional 1,000 fatal overdoses each year. The researchers based their estimates on data from the Congressional Budget Office and existing research highlighting the importance of medications like methadone and buprenorphine in reducing overdose risk among individuals with opioid addiction.
Dr. Benjamin Linas, a physician-researcher from Boston University involved in the study, emphasized the critical role that medication-assisted treatment plays in preventing overdose deaths. Their findings underscore the potential consequences of reducing Medicaid coverage for addiction treatment services, particularly at a time when the overdose epidemic has shown signs of improvement.
While the overdose death toll has been declining over the past year and a half, Medicaid remains a crucial source of funding for addiction treatment services in the United States. The researchers warn that deep cuts to the program could undermine the progress made in combating the opioid crisis. Despite the effectiveness of medications like methadone and buprenorphine, their utilization remains low due to stigma and other barriers.
Regina LaBelle, a former Obama administration drug policy official and addiction policy professor at Georgetown University, expressed alarm at the estimated impact of the tax bill on overdose deaths. She noted that the projected increase in fatalities is just the “tip of the iceberg” and that many more individuals with substance use disorders could be at risk if they lose access to treatment services.
The analysis serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the opioid epidemic in the United States. With tens of thousands of Americans dying from drug overdoses each year, policies that restrict access to life-saving treatments could have devastating consequences. The researchers hope that their findings will prompt policymakers to reconsider the potential impact of Medicaid cuts on individuals struggling with addiction.
STAT’s coverage of chronic health issues is made possible by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The financial supporters of the publication are not involved in editorial decisions.
