State Proposed Strategies to Expand Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is crucial for treatment and recovery.
• Section 1115 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) waivers offer states flexibility to expand MOUD access.
• Identifying effective state strategies is essential for improving MOUD utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify state-level strategies aimed at increasing access to MOUD.
• To analyze barriers and proposed solutions within Section 1115 SUD waiver applications.
• To understand how states are working to expand MOUD access and utilization.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of 27 state waiver applications implemented between 2015 and 2020.
• Identification of barriers to MOUD access and utilization.
• Analysis of proposed strategies to overcome identified barriers.

Main Results:

• Six key barriers to MOUD access were identified, including care delays and limited facility availability.
• Eight strategies were proposed, such as mandating MOUD in residential treatment and addressing prescriber shortages.
• Common strategies included increased reimbursement and stigma reduction campaigns.

Conclusions:

• States are employing diverse strategies to enhance MOUD access and utilization through SUD waivers.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of these strategies on patient outcomes.
• Understanding the effectiveness of combined strategies is critical for future policy development.