Only 1 in 32 Medicaid Youths With OUD Reach Sustained Treatment
This national cascade-of-care analysis quantifies where Medicaid-enrolled adolescents and young adults with opioid use disorder fall out of evidence-based treatment, with pharmacotherapy access and retention as the dominant failure points relevant to behavioral health and addiction pharmacists.
📅 Journal publication: Oct 1, 2026·Last updated: Oct 6, 2026
★ Must Readbuprenorphinemethadoneextended-release naltrexonemedications for opioid use disorderopioid use disorderadolescentsyoung adultsMedicaidcascade of carequality measureshealth disparitiesretrospective cohortaddiction medicineBehavioral Health / Addiction Medicine
Background Information
Most youths with opioid use disorder lack adequate treatment access.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is prevalent among youths, but many do not receive timely or sustained treatment, highlighting gaps in care. In a study of 229,847 Medicaid-enrolled youths with OUD, only 15.2% received medications for OUD (MOUD), and just 3.1% retained medication for 180 days. The study highlights significant deficiencies in the treatment of youths with OUD, suggesting urgent need for improved access to care and policy changes. Most Medicaid-enrolled youths with OUD do not receive adequate evidence-based treatment.
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Authors:Hadland SE, Opara I, Fung V, Dong D, Weerakoon S, Rodean J, Bind MC, Zima BT, Glass M, Alegría M, Karandinos G, Williams AR
Citation:Hadland SE, Opara I, Fung V, et al. Opioid Use Disorder and Evidence-Based Care Among Medicaid-Enrolled Youths. JAMA network open. 2026;9(10):e2637263. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.37263
Subscribers receive access to a complete clinical analysis, available online and as a downloadable PDF.
Executive Summary
Study Design
Patient Population
Primary Outcomes
Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile
Pharmacist Implications
Clinical Pearls
Limitations
Controversies & Evidence Gaps
Cost & Logistics
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