Opioid Progress at Risk: What's Next?

The U. S. has seen a drop in overdose deaths, a win worth celebrating. But this progress is at risk. A new law could take health insurance away from millions, including many with opioid addiction. Medicaid covers nearly half of non-elderly adults battling opioid addiction. Without it, treatment becomes harder to access. Life expectancy in the U. S. has been stagnant, partly due to opioids. In the 1980s, the U. S. was on par with other rich countries. Today, it's last. No other wealthy nation saw such a spike in overdoses in the 2000s. This law could make things worse. The law's cuts to Medicaid pay for lower taxes for the wealthy. But who will pay the price? Those with medical conditions, especially addicts. Researchers say over 150, 000 Americans could lose access to opioid treatment. This could lead to more relapses. The U. S. has made strides in fighting opioid addiction. But this law threatens that progress. It's a step backward in a fight that's far from over. The question is, will leaders step up and fix this?