High-Deductible Health Plans Linked To Reduced Buprenorphine Use Among Adults With OUD

Privately insured adults receiving buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) who switched to a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) experienced a significant reduction in buprenorphine use and, in some cases, fewer outpatient visits related to OUD treatment. Among all individuals who switched to an HDHP, the average number of days covered by an active buprenorphine prescription decreased by 29 days compared to those who remained enrolled in a non-HDHP. Among individuals whose deductible increased by more than $1,250, the reduction widened to 35.2 days, and those individuals also averaged one fewer OUD-related outpatient visit annually . . .