Effects of Medicare Part D opioid safety policies on disabled patients during COVID-19
Impact of Medicare Part D opioid safety policies on disabled beneficiaries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
This study looks at how new safety rules for opioid prescriptions under Medicare Part D affect younger people with disabilities who need long-term pain relief, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether these rules help encourage the use of a medication called buprenorphine for those struggling with opioid use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10877994 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how Medicare Part D opioid safety policies impact non-elderly disabled beneficiaries, particularly those prescribed long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. The study will analyze the effects of safety edits implemented in 2019, which alert pharmacists when opioid prescriptions exceed certain dosages, aiming to reduce overprescribing while maintaining patient access to necessary medications. It will also explore whether these policies encourage the use of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder. By examining these dynamics, the research aims to understand both the intended benefits and potential unintended consequences of these safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are non-elderly disabled Medicare beneficiaries who are prescribed long-term opioid therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or are not enrolled in Medicare Part D may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and management of opioid prescriptions for disabled patients, potentially reducing overdose risks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that policy interventions in opioid prescribing can lead to improved patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
Canton, UNITED STATES
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. — Canton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wen, Hefei — Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wen, Hefei
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.