Investigating treatment options for opioid use disorder in Medicaid plans

Examining opioid use disorder treatment in Medicaid managed care plans: policies and outcomes

NIH-funded research Brandeis University · NIH-10828710

This study looks at how Medicaid health plans help people with opioid addiction get the medications they need, like buprenorphine, and aims to find out what might be making it harder for them to access treatment, so we can improve support for those who need it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrandeis University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Waltham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10828710 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines how Medicaid managed care plans handle treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), focusing on the policies that affect access to evidence-based medications like buprenorphine. By conducting a national survey of these plans and linking their responses to patient data, the study aims to uncover barriers that prevent effective treatment. The goal is to understand how plan policies influence patient access and retention in treatment, which is crucial given the high rates of OUD among Medicaid recipients. This research seeks to provide insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who are enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans.

Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in Medicaid or do not have opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced access to effective treatments for opioid use disorder for Medicaid patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on Medicaid managed care policies specifically for opioid treatment, similar studies have shown that addressing policy barriers can improve access to care.

Where this research is happening

Waltham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.