HARRISBURG, Pa., March 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross today announced that quantity limits enacted in July 2017 are showing promising results in combatting the opioid epidemic. Between the second and third quarter of 2017, the amount of opioid tablets dispensed to Capital BlueCross members decreased by 42-percent. The total amount of members using opioids was also reduced by 12-percent. We were able to accomplish this due to our close working relationships with our provider partners.
Since putting quantity restrictions in place, Capital BlueCross only allows coverage for a one-week supply (7-days) on all short-acting opioids such as hydrocodone/ acetaminophen and oxycodone IR. Prior authorization and quantity limits are also in place for long-acting opioids.
The quantity limitations are based on the particular drug being prescribed and the dosage strength. The limitations are aligned with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for acute and chronic pain.
Capital BlueCross works with physicians, government agencies, and our communities to ensure opioids are prescribed in accordance with medical research, direction from the CDC, and in the best interest of our members' health.
"Since the limitations were put into place, we have also seen a decrease in the dosage strength prescribed to our members. This is promising, because the higher the dosage of an opioid, the more likely someone is to have an adverse outcome, including the potential development of substance use disorder and addiction," said Dr. Jennifer Chambers, Capital BlueCross, Chief Medical Officer. "We take our role in fighting this epidemic very seriously. Eighty percent of first time heroin users previously used/misused prescription opioids. That is why it is critical that we do our part to stem the flow of prescription opioids in our communities."
Other steps taken by Capital BlueCross to battle the opioid epidemic include:
Capital BlueCross has also contributed $200,000 to law enforcement officers in our service area since 2014 to purchase naloxone. This life-saving medication can revive a person who is suffering a potentially fatal overdose.
About Capital BlueCross
Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community's health for 80 years, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our customers.
More than a health insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that is creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.
SOURCE Capital BlueCross
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