Opioid Progress at Risk: What's Next?

A Win at Risk

The U.S. has seen a drop in overdose deaths, a win worth celebrating. But this progress is at risk. A new law could take health insurance away from millions, including many with opioid addiction.

• Medicaid's Role: Covers nearly half of non-elderly adults battling opioid addiction.
• Treatment Access: Without it, treatment becomes harder to access.

Life Expectancy and the Opioid Crisis

Life expectancy in the U.S. has been stagnant, partly due to opioids.

• 1980s: The U.S. was on par with other rich countries.
• Today: It's last. No other wealthy nation saw such a spike in overdoses in the 2000s.
• Potential Impact: This law could make things worse.

The Law's Implications

The law's cuts to Medicaid pay for lower taxes for the wealthy. But who will pay the price?

• Medical Conditions: Those with medical conditions, especially addicts.
• Research Findings: Over 150,000 Americans could lose access to opioid treatment.
• Potential Outcome: This could lead to more relapses.

A Step Backward

The U.S. has made strides in fighting opioid addiction. But this law threatens that progress. It's a step backward in a fight that's far from over.

• The Question: Will leaders step up and fix this?