Prior authorization bans for buprenorphine alone may not improve treatment retention

State laws that ban insurance prior authorization for buprenorphine—a leading medication for opioid use disorder—may not help more patients stay in treatment for the recommended minimum of 180 days, Weill Cornell Medicine researchers report. Though prescription buprenorphine can be a life-saving treatment that relieves opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, adherence to the medication is low.