First Cigna, now Florida Blue is refusing to cover the powerful and addictive pain medication oxycontin.
Click the link below for more information on the opioid crisis in Florida and to watch the ABC Action News video. Turning Point of Tampa provides opioid addiction and opioid abuse treatment in Florida.
ABC Action News Segment on Opioid Crisis
Treatment is the only solution to addiction. Some health insurance companies’ solution to the OxyContin problem is to no longer cover it and to recommend the alternative prescribed drug Xtampza. The insurance companies believe that Xtampza is abuse-proof because it is extended-release and cannot be crushed, but this is not a roadblock for an addict intent on getting drugs. In my many years of experience as a clinician and as CEO for Turning Point of Tampa, I have witnessed how far addicts will go and the creative measures they will take to support their addiction. Mark Mainardi makes a valid point that health insurance coverage for medication plays no part in the world of drug dealers.
My belief is that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel, but we need to continue to lobby our representatives in congress, participate in local community task forces and coalitions, and confront the health insurance industry about their lack of understanding of addiction. The opioid crisis must be a priority if we are going to save lives.
