Alcohol and Drug Abuse

The Medicare program serves as the healthcare coverage provider to over 58 million beneficiaries. In serving the over age 65 population, Medicare accounts for a large share of total opioid prescriptions. In 2016, one out of every three beneficiaries was prescribed an opioid through Medicare Part D. While many Medicare beneficiaries with serious pain-related conditions are being properly prescribed opioids, there is mounting evidence of opioid misuse in the Medicare system. This book looks at a proposed programs which seek to increase screening and thus, early detection of potential opioid use disorder upon entry into the Medicare program.