Uncovering Barriers to Engagement in Substance Use Disorder Care for Medicaid Enrollees

What is it about?

Engagement in substance use disorder care limits the impact of achieving positive treatment outcomes. This study integrates qualitative data from key stakeholders involved in substance use care in New York State to better understand factors related to substance use treatment engagement. Results show that the current substance use care within the Medicaid system in New York fails to address their clients' social needs, hindering treatment engagement and adequate care. We also show how peer support services are undervalued and should be better incorporated within the Medicaid billing system and that reducing providers' stigma is a key to increase engagement in SUD treatment. Thus, efforts toward changing perspectives of SUD as a chronic medical construct may reduce stigma while directly impacting on client’s health outcomes.

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