- Center on Health Equity and Access
- Clinical
- Health Care Cost
- Health Care Delivery
- Insurance
- Policy
- Technology
- Value-Based Care
Dr Jeff White: Collaboration Is Key to Combatting Opioid Epidemic
Jeff White, PharmD, MS, staff vice president, Anthem, discusses what role Anthem has in addressing the opioid epidemic, as well as how important collaboration with other stakeholders is for addressing the epidemic.
Jeff White, PharmD, MS, staff vice president, Anthem, discusses what role Anthem has in addressing the opioid epidemic, as well as how important collaboration with other stakeholders is for addressing the epidemic.
TranscriptAs a payer, what role do you have in addressing the opioid epidemic?
Anthem has taken a national leadership role in addressing the opioid abuse epidemic. We set out a goal of reducing opioid use by 30% by 2019 from its peak in 2012. We’ve achieved that goal 2 years early. In fact, we’ve achieved over a 40% reduction in opioid use since the peak in 2012. So, Anthem has an important role in helping to address the opioid abuse epidemic.
How important is it to collaborate with other stakeholders in order to ensure success with these different initiatives?
This epidemic is so large and vast and complicated, it’s going to take effort from a number of different stakeholders to help address this epidemic. For example, the government, regulatory agencies, health plans such as Anthem, PBMs [pharmacy benefit managers], physicians, educating patients, are all necessary to help address the opioid abuse epidemic.
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Dr Michael Farwell on FDG PET/CT Imaging to Predict Immunotherapy Response in Advanced Melanoma
April 15th 2024Michael Farwell, MD, associate professor of radiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, provides insights into a study on the benefits of using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT imaging to detect metabolic tumor changes in skin cancer.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen
Increasing Lp(a) Awareness for Better Cardiovascular Health: Dr Mary McGowan
March 24th 2024For Lp(a) Awareness Day, Mary McGowan, MD, FNLA, chief medical officer of the Family Heart Foundation, highlights how most people with elevated Lp(a) are completely unaware that they have this increased risk and calls for increased testing.
Read More
