The article underscores the significance of the Centres of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the identification and treatment of disorders related to the use of opioids among million Americans. In particular, the article explores the strategies by Medicaid in the prevention of harms resulting from the use of opioid. Over the years, many Americans have become victims of opioid which has led to increased cases of addiction resulting from overdose. Between 1999 and 2011, the number of deaths resulting from the overuse of opioid has increased fourfold (Wachino, 2016). In 2013, 37% of the number of deaths in America resulted from the use of opioid. This figure has risen because of the belief that substance reduces pain.
Medicaid has designed strategies to reduce this phenomenon. Medicaid programs focus on the use of safer alternative to opioid as pain-relieving drugs. They include preferred drug list (PDL) placement, enhancing limits on the quantity of the drug used, authorization prior to the use of the drug, step therapy and establishment of clinical criteria (Wachino, 2016). Other approaches include the use of programs designed by states to monitor the use of prescription drugs. Medicaid programs have implemented another program called patient review and restriction program. This program helps in addressing the overuse of opioid by the patient.
If one is found to have abused the drug, Medicaid can place restrictions on the use of Medicaid services for a specific time. These restrictions can take place after the agency has heard from the patient. However, in such cases of restrictions, the patient shall be granted Medicaid services during an emergency. The use of Naloxone to reduce the impact of opioid overdose has been touted as another way by which Medicaid reverse the effect of opioid (Wachino, 2016). Naloxone reverses narcotic depression and life-threatening effects of opioids. In addition, Medicaid programs encompass expansion of coverage and access to the treatment of disorders related to the use of opioid.
References
Wachino, V. (2016). Best Practices for Addressing Prescription Opioid Overdoses, Misuse
and Addiction. Baltimore. Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Print.
