The New England Journal of MedicineRacial Inequality in Receipt of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

A study using Medicare claims data examined racial and ethnic disparities in the use of medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) among fee-for-service beneficiaries in the United States. The study found that after an OUD-related event, such as an overdose or hospitalization, Black patients had lower rates of receiving medications to treat OUD compared to White patients. In the 180 days following the index event, Black patients received buprenorphine after 12.7% of events, while Hispanic patients received it after 18.7% of events and White patients after 23.3% of events. Similar patterns were observed with naloxone and benzodiazepines. These racial and ethnic differences in medication receipt did not change significantly from 2016 to 2019, and all groups had multiple ambulatory visits despite the disparities.

The study highlights substantial and persistent racial and ethnic disparities in accessing medications for OUD among Medicare beneficiaries with disability. Black patients, in particular, had lower rates of receiving medications compared to White patients. These disparities remained consistent over time, suggesting that efforts to improve equity in medication access for OUD are needed. The findings emphasize the need to address systemic barriers and biases in healthcare delivery to ensure equal access to evidence-based treatments for OUD among different racial and ethnic groups.