Trends in Out-of-Pocket Costs for and Characteristics of Pharmacy-Dispensed Buprenorphine Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment by Type of Payer, 2015 to 2020

Abstract

This cross-sectional study found that mean daily out-of-pocket costs for buprenorphine were lower in 2020 than in 2015, but variation by payer existed in all study years. Financial barriers to accessing and maintaining buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment may exist and differ by type of prescription coverage. Future research could monitor costs and identify potential barriers that may impact access and retention in care.