Prescription Drug Coverage for Treatment of Low Back Pain Among US Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Commercial Insurers | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

Prescription Drug Coverage for Treatment of Low Back Pain Among US Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Commercial Insurers | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

Prescription Drug Coverage for Treatment of Low Back Pain Among US Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Commercial Insurers.

An estimated 25 million Americans experience pain every day, often significantly interfering with daily activities. In this study, researchers analyzed 2017 health plan documents from 15 Medicaid, 15 Medicare Advantage, and 20 commercial health plans from 16 US states representing more than half the US population and conducted 20 interviews with more than 43 senior medical and pharmacy health plan executives from representative plans. This comprehensive review of recent coverage policy identifies opportunities for insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to modify coverage policies and ultimately reduce opioid-related injuries and deaths.