As the health care partner to one in three Americans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are addressing the opioid crisis in communities around the country, while ensuring that patients get the right care in the right setting.
BCBS companies are working with community groups, medical professionals, pharmacists and others to craft meaningful solutions as well as provide for those who need care, support and recovery.
2 MILLION Americans currently have an opioid-use disorder.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” 2019.
Every day, about 130 AMERICANS DIE from an opioid overdose.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Opioid Basics: Understanding the Epidemic.” December 2018.
The opioid epidemic costs the U.S. economy MORE THAN $696 BILLION ANNUALLY.
Source: The Council of Economic Advisors. “The Full Cost of the Opioid Crisis: $2.5 Trillion Over Four Years.” October 2019.
Promote best practices on opioid tapering, improve prescription monitoring and effectively respond to overdoses.
Promote and improve access to Medication-Assisted Treatment as the standard of care.
Allow proper access to patient information so that the patient can receive safe, high-quality treatment based on a holistic, patient-centered approach.
Learn more about what we recommend to address the opioid crisis.
