Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Buprenorphine Receipt Among Medicare Beneficiaries, 2015-19

Health Aff (Millwood). 2023 Oct;42(10):1431-1438. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00205.

Abstract

We examined Medicare Part D claims from the period 2015-19 to identify state and national racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine receipt among Medicare disability beneficiaries with diagnosed opioid use disorder or opioid overdose. Racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine use remained persistently high during the study period, especially for Black beneficiaries, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and policies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Buprenorphine* / therapeutic use
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Medicare Part D*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Racial Groups
  • United States

Substances

  • Buprenorphine