Opioid Treatment Programs’ Medicaid Patient Retention Rates

Source:

DeLisle, D. E., Mark, T. L., Katz, C., Dowd, W. N., Barch, D., & Kluckman, M. (2026). Opioid Treatment Programs’ Medicaid Patient Retention Rates. JAMA Network Open, 9(1), e2553538.

Key Points

Question  What are the Medicaid patient retention rates in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the US?

Findings  In this cohort study involving 261 025 Medicaid beneficiaries, the median OTP had a 30-day, 90-day, and 180-day retention rates of 61.2%, 41,5%, and 27.5%, respectively. The 30-day retention rates varied widely across OTPs.

Meaning  The low and highly variable retention rates found in this study highlight an opportunity for OTPs to improve patent engagement and outcomes.