For several years, Capital BlueCross has actively led the charge locally to help combat our nation’s and state’s opioid epidemic, and we are pleased to share some promising
results of our recent work. After placing quantity level limits on opioids in July, we can report that between the second and third quarters of 2017, the amount of opioid tablets dispensed to Capital BlueCross members decreased by 42 percent, while the total amount of members using opioids was reduced by 12 percent.
We are grateful for our provider partners, who have committed to this cause. We thank them for their diligence, leadership, and support in ensuring our members’ health and safety are considered above all else during treatment and care. As importantly, we thank you, our producer community, for helping our employer groups and members to understand the significance and seriousness of the opioid epidemic and why measures like the ones we’ve taken are critical in this ongoing fight.
Since putting quantity restrictions in place, Capital BlueCross only allows coverage for a one-week supply (7-days) on all short-acting opioids such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen and oxycodone IR. Prior authorization and quantity limits are also in place for long-acting opioids.
On top of the quantity limits, we have taken several other steps to battle the opioid epidemic, such as:
- Advocating for nonopioid pharmacological therapies first and enhanced coverages for nonpharmacological treatments for pain such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and chiropractic care
- Continuously working to improve clinical management of opioid use and how we help our members manage pain
- Issuing alerts to prescribers and dispensers of opioids when members receive an opioid prescription from more than one prescriber, or for more than one drug class
- Actively supporting drug take-back initiatives, including the ability to safely discard unused medications at our Capital Blue health and wellness centers
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our members and the communities in which they live, and it’s a charge we take to heart. We will continue to proactively seek preventive solutions and measures to combat the opioid epidemic, and look forward to continuing to partner with you on this dangerous issue and immediate public need. |
