COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts Opioid Use Disorder Care for Insured Individuals

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the care of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly in terms of continuity of care and access to emergency services. A recent study published in Addiction Research & Theory examined the effects of the pandemic on health care utilization for commercial and Medicaid beneficiaries with OUD. The research found that adults diagnosed with OUD before the pandemic experienced significant disruptions to care, despite efforts by policymakers to counter pandemic-related access barriers.

Key Takeaways:

• The pandemic-exposed cohort was more likely to receive therapy, but the commercial sample did not evidence a change in the number of sessions received, while Medicaid beneficiaries evidenced a significant decrease of 3.87 sessions per year.
• Adults diagnosed with OUD before the pandemic experienced significant disruptions to care, particularly continuity of care and access to emergency services.
• The pandemic resulted in a 3.87 session per year decrease in therapy sessions for Medicaid beneficiaries.
• Adults with OUD who were insured through commercial plans were less likely to experience disruptions in care compared to those who were insured through Medicaid.
• The research suggests that policymakers may need to consider the impact of the pandemic on access to care for populations with pre-existing conditions.

Statistics:

• 3.87: The number of therapy sessions per year that Medicaid beneficiaries experienced a significant decrease in.
• 33(3):190-198: The issue and page numbers of the research publication in Addiction Research & Theory.
• 2025: The year in which the research was published.

Sources:

• Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic On Health Care Utilization for Commercial and Medicaid Beneficiaries With Opioid Use Disorder. Addiction Research & Theory, 2025;33(3):190-198.
• Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RN, England.