Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder at Health Centers

Access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) is essential for addressing the opioid epidemic in the United States. However, patients continue to encounter barriers to accessing affordable and quality treatment services. OIG will examine access to MOUDs through health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Health centers play a pivotal role in expanding access to MOUDs in the primary care setting because they provide high-quality and comprehensive care regardless of patients' ability to pay. HRSA has also awarded funding to health centers to expand access to substance use disorder treatment. This study will provide critical information on expanding MOUD access through HRSA's Health Center Program. We will examine how many health centers provide MOUD services, which types of services they provide (e.g., specific medications and behavioral health services, such as counseling), and how many patients health centers are treating with MOUDs. We will also examine the factors that may either facilitate or hinder the provision of MOUDs at health centers.

Announced or Revised	Agency	Title	Component	Report Number(s)	Expected Issue Date (FY)
November 2022	Health Resources and Service Administration	Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder at Health Centers	Office of Evaluation and Inspections	OEI-BL-22-00520	2025