Coalition of 37 attorneys general sends letter to health insurance companies on opioid epidemic

Sept. 19--A coalition of 37 state attorneys general, including West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, is urging health insurance companies to look at financial incentives contributing to the opioid problem.

The letter, dated Monday, was sent to urge America's Health Insurance Plans to take steps to encourage members to review payment and coverage policies, revising if necessary, to encourage health care providers to prioritize non-opioid pain management options instead of opioid prescriptions for treating chronic, noncancer pain.

"We have to ensure that financial incentives, or a lack thereof, for the provision of certain items and services do not contribute unintentionally to this deadly problem," Morrisey said in his office's news release.

The letter said opioid overdoses kill 91 Americans every day with more than half of those deaths involving prescription opioids.

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear, co-leader with Morrisey on the initiative, said attorneys general want to join others to find a solution to the opioid epidemic.

"Nearly 80 percent of heroin users first become addicted through prescription pills," Beshear said in the release. "If we can reduce opioid prescriptions and use other forms of pain management treatment, we will slow or even reverse the rate of addiction."

They will send a letter to industry trade groups and major insurance providers nationwide, the release said. The letter urges insurers to review coverage and payment policies as a starting point in a coalition-initiated dialogue focused on incentive structures across the insurance industry.

Attorneys general contend incentives promoting use of non-opioid techniques will increase practicality of medical providers considering treatments including physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care and non-opioid medications, the release said.

It added that reliance on alternatives will combat a significant factor contributing to the epidemic -- the overprescription of opioid painkillers.

Morrisey joined attorneys general from Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, Utah and Virginia as co-sponsors of this effort. Other state attorneys general signing the letter are Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Cathyrn Donaldson, director of communications and public affairs with America's Health Insurance Plans released a statement in response to the letter, saying they share the state attorneys general's commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic.

"Opioid abuse and addiction are a public health crisis. The consequences are profound, and they impact individuals and families no matter where they live, how much they earn or how old they are. No one should have to live with pain. But no one should live with the consequences of opioid addiction either," Donaldson said in the statement.

"We share the state attorneys general's commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic in America. We must solve this crisis. Patients, plans, doctors, nurses, and government leaders all play a critical role. Health plans cover comprehensive, effective approaches to pain management that include evidence-based treatments, more cautious opioid prescribing and careful patient monitoring. Recent research shows that non-opioid medications, even over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, can provide just as much relief as opioids. By combining effective education, prevention, behavioral health care and evidence-based treatment, health plans are making real progress in eradicating addiction and improving the health and well-being of families and communities," the statement continued.

"Health plans work closely with doctors and nurses on the safest, most proven, and most effective approaches to manage pain. Many health plans have instituted new programs that are helping to dramatically reduce how much -- and how often -- opioids are prescribed. Patients and their care providers should talk openly and honestly about pain and how to manage it -- from lifestyle changes and exercise to over-the-counter options and clearly understanding the dangers of opiods.

"Strategies such as ongoing education about evidence-based approaches for pain management, knowing the risks involved with the use of opioids, and careful patient monitoring will be key. By working together, doctors, hospitals, health plans, and policy leaders can provide people with better pathways to healing -- without putting their lives in danger because of opioids."

Email: alannom@register-herald.com; follow on Twitter @AndreaLannom

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