The company’s report, “America’s Opioid Epidemic and Its Effect on the Nation’s Commercially Insured Population,” considers medical claims from BCBS members using opioids and diagnosed with opioid use disorder from 2010 to 2016. The study excluded members diagnosed with cancer or receiving palliative treatment.
The study revealed substance use disorder is the fifth “most impactful” condition affecting commercially insured members. BCBS members diagnosed with an opioid use disorder jumped 493 percent during the study period.
The BCBS report also found women filled more opioid prescriptions than men across all age groups. Among members age 45 and older, women have a higher rate of opioid use disorder than men. However, men have higher rates of opioid use disorder than women among individuals younger than 45.
BCBSA concluded, “it will take a collaborative effort of health providers, insurers, communities and all levels of government working together to develop solutions that effectively meet community needs.”
More articles on opioids:
UMass Memorial failed to report 80 substance-exposed births to child services, audit finds
Senate adds $45B to BCRA for opioid treatment
Opioid use disorder diagnoses for BCBS members sees nearly 500% increase since 2010
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