Psychosocial Outcomes Associated with Mobile Health App Use among Medicaid Recipients who Use Substances

Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are increasingly applied to address substance misuse and related concerns. We explored mHealth app use and usability among Medicaid recipients with substance misuse who receive recovery support and treatment services (N=163). At one-month, compared to those who did not utilize the app at all, app use was associated with reduced barriers to treatment. Logging into the app but not using the e-coach feature was associated with reduced anxiety and decreased likelihood of opioid use, while use of the app's e-coach feature was associated with reduced stimulant and other illicit substances. For Medicaid-insured individuals with substance misuse, mHealth apps may reduce treatment barriers and supplement safety net treatment services.