Geographic Availability and Use of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among Medicaid Enrollees

Are racial and ethnic differences in the use of medications for opioid use disorder among Medicaid enrollees associated with geographic availability?In this cross-sectional analysis of approximately 8 million Medicaid enrollees in 10 states, increased geographic availability of methadone and naltrexone was associated with increased use among non-Hispanic White enrollees, but not non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic enrollees. Availability of buprenorphine was not associated with differential use.Increasing geographic availability of medications for opioid use disorder is likely a necessary but not sufficient strategy for addressing variation in access to care.

Corresponding Author: Coleman Drake, PhD, Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, A614, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 (cdrake@pitt.edu).

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