Overview
One of the biggest public health crises facing America is substance use disorders. Opioid use is one of the most troublesome of these disorders, resulting in nearly 20,000 deaths a year – more deadly than gun violence. The consequences are profound, impacting individuals and families no matter where they live, how much they earn, or how old they are. And the impact is broad, affecting social services, the health care system, communities, and the economy. It is a crisis we need to solve 鈥� and health plans are committed to helping.
For people who are in pain and seek medical care to treat it, it’s important to know the facts. This document is a tool to inform and support dialogue between patients and providers exploring options for managing and relieving pain.