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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported
between 1999 and 2017, the rate of drug overdose deaths increased
by more than three-fold, and 68% of the 70,237 drug overdose deaths
in 2017 were attributed to either prescription or illicit opioids.
The total economic burden of the opioid abuse was estimated to be
closer to $504 billion in 2015 after accounting for the value of
the drug-related mortalities. Despite the value provided by
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as an evidence-based treatment
for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), there are significant coverage and
access barriers for patients in accessing this form of
treatment.
This analysis sought to project the burden of OUD and estimate
the impact of expanding adoption of MAT over the next 15 years in
lowering opioid-related overdose, mortality and medical expenses
among the commercially insured in the US. Using a published and
validated microsimulation model, we predicted the annual number of
overdose, mortality, and direct medical costs associated with
opioid abuse will increase by more than 10-fold over the next 15
years if current trend continues. By improving access to MAT over
the same time frame, there is potential to avoid up to 6.1 million
overdoses and save as many as 805,000 lives over the next 15 years.
By avoiding the costs associated with increased overdoses, the
healthcare system could save up to $645 billion over the next 15
years.
Our study findings suggest improving access to MAT can generate
significant health, economic, and social benefits, particularly
when implemented in combination with other policies aiming at the
prevention of opioid abuse.
Additional details are available in the complete report. This
research is supported by funding from Pharmaceutical Research and
Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
Posted 13 December 2018 by April Semilla, Associate Director, Life Sciences and
