Health insurance coverage is associated with access to substance use treatment among individuals with injection drug use: Evidence from a 12-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

Understand how insurance impacts access to services among people who have injected drugs.

METHODS

1748 adults who have injected drugs were assessed at twice-annual study visits between 2006 and 2017 (18,869 visits). Use of specialty substance use treatment, receipt of buprenorphine, and having a regular source of medical care were assessed for association with concurrent insurance coverage. Random intercept logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

When participants acquired insurance, they were more likely to report specialty substance use treatment (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.5), a buprenorphine prescription (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0 to 5.5), and a regular source of medical care (aOR 6.3, 95% CI 5.1 to 7.8).

CONCLUSION

Insurance is associated with increased use of three important services for individuals who inject drugs.

IMPLICATIONS: Expanding insurance may facilitate access to substance use treatment and other needed health services.