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

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.

Automated summary

This study analyzed Medicare Part D claims from 2015-19 to identify racial and ethnic disparities in buprenorphine receipt among Medicare disability beneficiaries with opioid use disorder or overdose. The findings showed persistent high disparities, especially for Black beneficiaries, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and policies.