Buprenorphine Utilization and Prescribing Among New Jersey Medicaid Beneficiaries After Adoption of Initiatives Designed to Improve Treatment Access

Key Points Question Were initiatives aimed at improving access to buprenorphine treatment in New Jersey Medicaid associated with increases in buprenorphine utilization and prescribing? Findings This cross-sectional study of 20 090 Medicaid beneficiaries found that the New Jersey Medicaid initiatives were associated with significant increases in buprenorphine prescribing at the clinician level and in buprenorphine receipt for patients with opioid use disorder but no increase in the percentage of new buprenorphine treatment episodes lasting 180 or more days. Meaning Findings suggest that policies and programs like the New Jersey Medicaid initiatives expanded buprenorphine treatment availability and access but highlight the need for further efforts to support long-term prescribing and retention.

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