How Did Medicaid's 1115 Substance Use Disorder Waivers Increase Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder? Evidence From Eight Waiver States.

ABSTRACT: Policy Points States can use substance use disorder waivers to improve their program, but findings regarding the effects of these waivers on opioid use disorder medication treatment have shown mixed results. This study used a mixed-methods design to identify strategies that states undertook as part of their waiver and that may have led to increases in the use of methadone or buprenorphine. For methadone, adding coverage, increasing reimbursement rates, and engaging providers and managed care organizations may be effective strategies to increase the use of this medication. In contrast, no consistent strategies were identified for buprenorphine.

Context

Starting in 2015, states could apply for section 1115 substance use disorder (SUD) waivers to strengthen their continuum of care for

SUBMITTER: Lindner SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12668779 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature