Read the full article by BHG Area Vice President of Operations, Matt Broussard, at AL.com here.
Alabama is seeing real progress in its battle against the opioid epidemic. The CDC says the state experienced a 20.6% decline in drug overdose deaths from September 2023 to September 2024, mirroring a 23.7% national drop. This encouraging shift is largely credited to federal and state policy changes that have expanded across to life-saving treatments and streamlined care for those battling opioid use disorder (OUD).
How Policy Changes Are Saving Lives
Federal and state policy shifts have played a major role in Alabama's recent progress. The federal government’s requirement for Medicaid to cover opioid treatment programs (OTPs) has made it easier for people to access the support they need. In Alabama, policy changes have allowed for more flexible treatment options, including increased take-home methadone doses for stable patients.
These changes have had a real impact. Since the new take-home policies took effect, patient dropouts in BHG’s network dropped by nearly 11% within the first three months. Additionally, updated regulations allowed patients to reach effective methadone doses more quickly – jumping from 23% to 75% of patients reaching therapeutic levels within 30 days. Faster access to proper dosing means fewer turn to dangerous alternatives like fentanyl, which remains a major threat in local communities.
Breaking Down Barriers to Treatment
Despite this progress, barriers to access still remain. Medicaid reimbursement rates for OTP services in Alabama are just 47% of what Medicare pays, yet only about 10% of BHG’s patients are on Medicare. At BHG’s network of treatment centers, which serves around 5,000 patients statewide, 20% rely on Medicaid and another 20% use ACA exchange plans. Any cuts to these programs could threaten life-saving care for thousands.
Alabama’s rural landscape also presents challenges, with 42.3% of the population living in rural areas. Although mobile and satellite OTP units have proven effective in other states, Alabama has yet to implement them. Expanding access in these underserved areas could make a significant difference in recovery rates.
The Path Forward for Sustainable Recovery
The progress Alabama has made is just the beginning. To turn short-term successes into lasting change, the state must continue to reduce barriers and expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This means increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, supporting mobile treatment units, and easing restrictions on new OTP facilities. By doing so, Alabama can sustain its momentum in fighting the opioid epidemic – saving more lives and giving those battling OUD a chance for long-term recovery.