Fighting opioids in Arkansas

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the broader Blue system is taking a major stand against opioid use disorder. In 2017, opioid use disorder diagnoses declined. Additionally, there was a 29 percent decline in opioid prescriptions filled and a 25 percent decrease in the number of Blue Cross and Blue Shield members who filled at least one opioid prescription that year.

Arkansas Blue Cross saw a 27 percent decrease in opioid prescriptions statewide.

Our substance use prevention program is focused on helping members and doctors better prepare for risks that come with acute and chronic pain management. We accomplish this through provider outreach, Special Investigations Unit help, care management and utilization management activities. The result? We reduced opioid utilization by 66 percent since 2017.

Talk to your Arkansas Blue Cross representative to learn more about what we’re doing to protect your members from opioid use disorder.

Also, read about our new coalition that provides tools for employers to understand and react to the opioid epidemic within the workforce.