Medicaid and MAT in North Carolina

Getting sober, especially from opioids, means getting into a program or clinic that offers Medication-Assisted Treatment. Addiction treatment can be expensive for people who self-pay or have no insurance. For many people who struggle with addiction, Medicaid is the lifeline that helps them get the help they need.

In North Carolina, Addiction Epidemic Still Raging

In North Carolina and the rest of the country, addiction is still a public health crisis that needs addressing and funding. Addiction didn’t go away during the pandemic; in many cases, it multiplied. Some people took up drug use for the first time, while others relapsed. On top of this, drug smuggling efforts were hampered. This left an unstable supply of drugs for users, sometimes tainted with deadly drugs like fentanyl. As a result, lives were lost as resources for treatment dried up, and more people turned to substances to help them cope.

Recovery, however, is still possible and available for those who seek it.

From October 2019 to October 2020, overdose deaths from all types of drugs increased 30% across the United States. On top of this, many states have grappled with budget cuts and treatment facilities closings due to the pandemic.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

For people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), MAT is considered the gold standard of care. Unfortunately, many people with OUD and other substance use disorders are indigent or uninsured, making it difficult to access the treatment they need.

Opioids cause powerful withdrawal effects that can be uncomfortable or even painful to endure. Therefore, detox is often recommended as well as Medication-Assisted Treatment alongside therapy or a drug treatment program.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is insurance provided by the state that helps low-income people access the healthcare they need. Many of the services for Medicaid have no copay or fees. Unfortunately, not everyone in North Carolina who is low-income is eligible for Medicaid.

Many advocates for addiction services and mental health advocate for expanding Medicaid in North Carolina. They argue it would give many people access to life-saving treatment and medical care.

Getting Access to MAT With Medicaid in North Carolina

Not everyone is eligible for Medicaid, but it is recommended that you apply if you do not have health insurance or the means to pay for treatment yourself.

Medication-Assisted Treatment is typically covered for people who have opioid use disorder.  This type of treatment includes buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone, as well as methadone. Most MAT is recommended alongside therapy, in or outpatient treatment, and 12-step groups.

Getting Help With Addiction in North Carolina

At Solas Health, we’re able to work with clients throughout North Carolina. We can help anyone in North Carolina and can even do our appointments via telehealth. We accept all types of insurance, include North Carolina Medicaid.

To learn more about how we can help, give us a call at 910-295-7246.