CareFirst BCBS restricts opioid prescriptions, unveils $1.5M in grants to combat epidemic

Morgan Haefner -

Maryland insurer CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is offering grants and placing limits on prescriptions to curb opioid misuse.

Here are three things to know.

1. Beginning in January, CareFirst will send out a request for proposals to nonprofits serving Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia. The RFP will request ideas for programs and initiatives addressing opioid misuse, with the insurer awarding $1.5 million in grants to select nonprofits.

2. In October, CareFirst aligned its opioid prescription policy with the CDC's limits on opioid prescriptions' quantity and duration.

3. The payer also established a behavioral health and substance abuse program connecting primary care providers, nurses and behavioral health providers for care of CareFirst members battling addiction.

More articles on opioids:
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Aetna to waive copays for opioid overdose antidote Narcan: 3 things to know
Nevada cardiologist arrested on 39 charges of unlawful opioid distribution, healthcare fraud

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