Medication-Assisted Treatment and Opioid Use Before and After Overdose in Pennsylvania

This study analyzes the prescribing of opioids and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people who had experienced a non-fatal opioid overdose and who received their healthcare coverage through Medicaid in Pennsylvania. Individuals who have coverage through Medicaid have a three-fold risk of opioid overdose compared to those who have commercial healthcare coverage. The analysis included rates of MAT use, duration of using opioids, and prescription opioid use status prior to and following an overdose event. Results showed that patients had minimum increases in MAT use and a continued high level of prescription opioid use, suggesting that the state has ample room to improve its current system and to improve health outcomes for this at-risk population.