Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and office-based opioid treatment are covered benefits. See Medication Assisted Treatment for more information. OTPs may continue to be rendered via telemedicine when medically necessary or appropriate and within the scope of the provider’s license.

Note: The Drug Enforcement Administration will allow for the prescription of controlled medications through telemedicine through Nov. 11, 2023, or through Nov. 11, 2024, if the practitioner-patient telemedicine relationship was established on or before Nov. 11, 2023. 

Cost information

Opioid Management Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC offers guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain, along with many other online resources:
  • Provider fact sheet on prescribing guidelines
  • Information for patients
  • Mobile app
  • Interactive training for providers with continuing education credits available
  • Information about Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)
  • Fact sheets (provider and patient) on urine drug testing (UDT)
     
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA offers the following resources:
  • Improving Opioid Prescribing
  • Naloxone for Opioid Overdose: Life Saving Science
     
• VA Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI): The VA/DoD offers clinical practice guidelines and guides for patients, and numerous tools for providers.
  
  
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA offers various resources on a number of topics, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and a directory of opioid treatment programs. SAMHSA also has a national helpline and other resources for patients.
  
  
• Federal Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA recommends providers consider prescribing naloxone when prescribing opioids.