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Data Brief: Opioid Use in Medicare Part D

Overdose deaths from opioids are at epidemic levels, and the crisis is now considered a public health emergency. In 2015, more than 52,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States - about 33,000 of those deaths involved opioids. Estimates for 2016 show a sharp increase, with over 64,000 drug overdose deaths - 175 deaths each day. Identifying patients who are at risk of overdose or abuse is key to addressing this crisis. This data brief will provide updated data on Part D spending for opioids and the number of beneficiaries that received extreme amounts of opioids through Part D and those who appear to be "doctor shopping."

Announced or Revised Agency Title Component Report Number(s) Expected Issue Date (FY)
Completed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Data Brief: Opioid Use in Medicare Part D Office of Evaluation and Inspections OEI-02-18-00220 2018