Availability of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Among Accountable Care Organizations: Evidence From a National Survey.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This report aimed to assess how accountable care organizations (ACOs) addressed ongoing opioid use disorder treatment needs over time. METHODS: Responses from the 2018 (N=308 organizations) and 2022 (N=276) National Survey of Accountable Care Organizations (response rate=55% in both years) were used to examine changes in availability of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among ACOs with Medicare and Medicaid contracts. RESULTS: The percentage of respondents offering at least one MOUD grew from 39% in 2018 to 52% in 2022 (p<0.01). MOUDs were more likely to be available in 2022 among ACOs with (vs. without) in-network substance use treatment facilities (80% vs. 33%, p<0.001). The percentage of 2022 respondents who reported offering MOUD was similar in states with high versus low opioid overdose mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: Despite growing availability of MOUD among ACOs, nearly half reported not offering any MOUD in 2022, and the availability of MOUD did not increase with treatment need.