Washington, D.C. – April 11, 2022 – Every American deserves affordable, comprehensive coverage that allows them to access equitable, high-quality care – care that helps them avoid the dangers of inappropriate prescribing of opioids. With this commitment, AHIP submitted comments on the Proposed 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids. Here are the highlights.
We All Have a Role to Play
“The opioid crisis is devastating for its victims, their families, and communities across the country. Unfortunately, opioid overdose deaths continue to rise. In order to make progress and reverse this devastating trend, the opioid crisis must be addressed in a comprehensive way, with everyone working together. This includes local governments, law enforcement and the justice system, social services agencies, community housing programs, Medicaid programs, physicians and other health care providers, pharmacists, health insurance providers, and pharmaceutical companies.”
Health Insurance Providers Are Part of the Solution
“Health insurance providers have long been part of the solution by working closely with clinicians and other stakeholders and embracing a comprehensive and evidence-based approach encompassing prevention, early intervention, and substance use disorder treatment and recovery.”
“Health insurance providers will continue to work to combat the opioid crisis and will collaborate with other stakeholders to protect patient safety and improve outcomes. The strategies and challenges outlined in the Guideline provide a constructive shift towards person-centered, evidence-based care, and we support CDC’s conclusions.”
AHIP Supports Person-Centered Solutions
“We support the goals of the Guideline to improve communication between clinicians and patients, and to empower them to make informed, person-centered decisions related to pain care.”
“We especially appreciate the increased emphasis on a patient’s needs and goals of treatment.”
“We support the proposed inclusion of social and other non-clinical factors in the new Guideline, as well as the attention to issues of equity.”
A Call for More Evidence
“Finally, we support the calls for further research to close knowledge gaps associated with opioid prescribing, dosages, and risk factors; multidisciplinary pain management models; alternative therapies and the evaluation of non-pain outcomes; diagnostics; transitions of care; and impacts of stigma. AHIP and its members agree that there is a need for research to enhance existing risk assessment tools and to inform future evidence-based clinical guidelines on dosing and treatment options to manage various types of pain.”
The comment letter also includes recommendations that additional clarifications and considerations be incorporated into the Guideline.
About AHIP
AHIP is the national association whose members provide health care coverage, services, and solutions to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that make health care better and coverage more affordable and accessible for everyone. Visit www.ahip.org to learn how working together, we are Guiding Greater Health.