Does Medicare Favor Generic Opioids?

Designed to prevent users from overdosing, abuse-deterrent opioids aim to diminish the effects of today’s epidemic by limiting the ways addicts can alter prescription painkillers for their needs. These drugs, subject for approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aren’t as accessible to patients as some may think — especially seniors.

New research from Avalere Health, an advisory company specializing in healthcare business strategy and public policy, found that Medicare Part D plan coverage rates for OxyContin, a prescription painkiller with abuse-deterrent properties, decreased by 28% from 2012 to 2015. Coverage for all prescription opioids decreased by 10% during the same period (Source PharmaVoice.com). | Opiate Addiction: Could new technology help treat more Opiate Addicts?

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