Is Involuntary Commitment The Right Solution For The Opioid Crisis?

The opioid use epidemic continues to challenge public officials, health plan managers, and provider organization executives alike. In 2016, opioids caused one in five deaths in young adults ages 25-34, and one in 65 deaths overall could be attributed to opioid use (see Opioids Caused 1 In 5 Deaths Among Young Adults In 2016). In 2017, one in three Medicare Part D beneficiaries were prescribed opioids, totaling approximately 14.1 million of the 45.2 million beneficiaries (see One In Three Medicare Part D Beneficiaries Prescribed Opioids In 2017).

This escalation of the opioid crisis has also led to . . .