Fight the Opioid Epidemic: Increasing Access to Life-Saving Treatments

The opioid epidemic is a major public health issue that has touched communities across the country. As the Chief Medical Officer of Neighborhood Health Plan, I think it’s essential for the health care industry to come up with fresh solutions to support prevention and recovery from substance use disorders.

In recognition of National Recovery Month in September, I want to share a new approach that NHP is taking to help combat this epidemic. We recently launched a set of industry-leading initiatives to address the shortage of providers available to prescribe Medication-Assisted-Treatments (MAT). Evidence has shown that MAT is a critical part of a comprehensive and effective recovery strategy for substance use disorders.

NHP now provides financial incentives to enable more prescribers to become trained and certified to prescribe buprenorphine products, such as Suboxone. Here’s how the program works:

• NHP reimburses in-network providers $1,000 to help offset the cost of the required training for obtaining their certification
• NHP then provides an additional $4,000 honorarium when the provider treats at least 10 patients
• These incentives are being offered to the first 50 applicants

In addition, NHP has no prior authorization requirements for Suboxone and the generic buprenorphine prescriptions. We also waive member copays for Narcan and the generic equivalent naloxone, used to revive those who have overdosed on opiates.

We believe we needed a customized approach to help address the unique circumstances and needs of individuals wherever they are on the spectrum of addiction and recovery. I’m proud to announce that NHP is the first health plan in the nation to offer this complete package of incentives.

Providers who are interested in participating in this program can contact Susan Van Campen at NHP.