TABLE 3.
Unadjusted Outcomes Among MAT Recipients in the 6 Months After MAT Initiation
| Outcomes | 2017 initiators (n = 999) | 2018 initiators (n = 1,222) | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| General health care utilization, n (%) | |||
| ≥ 1 IP stay | 187 (18.7) | 239 (19.6) | 0.62 |
| ≥ 1 ED visit | 474 (47.4) | 532 (43.5) | 0.07 |
| OUD-relevant outcomes, n (%) | |||
| Relapse | 530 (53.1) | 600 (49.1) | 0.06 |
| Behavioral health services | 88 (8.8) | 112 (9.2) | 0.77 |
| Medication usage, n (%) | |||
| NSAIDS | 28 (2.80) | 23 (1.88) | 0.15 |
| Glucocorticoids | 13 (1.30) | 7 (0.57) | 0.07 |
| Antidepressants | 122 (12.21) | 156 (12.77) | 0.70 |
| Muscle relaxants | 38 (3.80) | 36 (2.95) | 0.26 |
| Select anticonvulsants | 62 (6.21) | 85 (6.96) | 0.48 |
| Benzodiazepines | 63 (6.31) | 66 (5.40) | 0.36 |
| Stimulants | 3 (0.30) | 10 (0.82) | 0.11 |
Notes: The authors’ analysis of claims data is presented for individuals (aged 19-89 years) participating in a Humana MAPD plan in 2017 and/or 2018 who could be identified as opioid users and recipients of MAT for OUD. Analysis excludes individuals without continuous enrollment from 6 months before until 6 months after MAT initiation. Outcomes were measured in the 6-month interval following MAT initiation.
ED = emergency department; IP = inpatient; MAPD = Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plan;
MAT = medication-assisted therapy; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OUD = opioid use disorder.