Lead: Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Coverage and Utilization Management in Medicaid Managed Care PlansLead: Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Coverage and Utilization Management in Medicaid Managed Care Plans
This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Zach Caruso discusses medication coverage for Alcohol Use Disorder in Medicaid Managed Care Plans and explores various studies on addiction medicine.
7:19•25 Mar 2025
Crucial Insights on Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Coverage in Medicaid Managed Care Plans
Episode Overview
- Only 42.7% of Medicaid MCPs cover all approved medications for AUD.
- New non-opioid treatment for chronic pain shows promise.
- Rise in co-use of fentanyl with stimulants highlights fourth wave of opioid epidemic.
- Personalised smoking cessation strategies can be effective.
- Detection of benzodiazepines in unregulated drug supply is increasing.
“Expanding medication use for AUD and providing patient-centred care may be undermined by insurance coverage limitations”
Get ready for an eye-opening episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine' by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Hosted by Zach Caruso, this episode dives into the critical issue of medication coverage for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) within Medicaid Managed Care Plans (MCPs). The episode highlights a study published in JAMA Network Open, which reveals that only 42.7% of Medicaid MCPs cover all approved medications for AUD, such as acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram.
This lack of comprehensive coverage could undermine efforts to expand medication use and patient-centred care for those battling AUD. But that's not all - the episode also covers several other compelling studies. From the potential of a new non-opioid treatment for chronic pain to the alarming rise in co-use of fentanyl with stimulants, there's a wealth of information here.
You'll learn about the development of a new ligand that offers pain relief without the typical side effects of CB1 agonists and the growing concern over the fourth wave of the opioid epidemic, characterised by the combination of fentanyl with other stimulants. The episode also delves into smoking cessation strategies, highlighting a study that shows how personalised telephone counselling and instant messaging can significantly aid individuals unwilling to use traditional cessation aids.
Plus, there's a fascinating discussion on the detection of benzodiazepines in the unregulated drug supply and the oral health risks associated with transmucosal buprenorphine. This episode is packed with vital information for anyone interested in addiction medicine. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone affected by addiction, or just curious about the latest research, you'll find plenty to ponder here. So why not give it a listen and stay informed about these critical issues?
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