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States correct to address opioid issue with insurers

Top government attorneys reaching out to insurers to help alleviate the nation’s opioid epidemic have a good strategy in place.

This week, attorneys general from the majority of U.S. states lobbied for insurers to encourage alternate treatments for pain as opposed to the opioid painkillers that have become all too prevalent, and all too much of a plague in communities large and small.

The states’ representatives supported the idea of alternatives, such as massage and physical therapy, as opposed to the incredibly powerful and all too easily prescribed narcotic opioid painkillers.

Government bodies have previously employed, or attempted to employ, legal action against drug manufacturers as a means to slow the progress of the epidemic. This is a long, perilous process that could or could not produce any real results.

Working with insurers to encourage alternate approaches appears like it could be more fruitful. While it is too soon to determine the majority reaction of insurers, the request is a reasonable one and presents insurers a rare opportunity for good public relations.

Furthermore, history demonstrates that incentivizing behavior is generally more effective than using the stronghand of mandate.

Minot and all North Dakota residents know the havoc that opioid abuse is causing for our communities, for healthcare providers and with law enforcement. Innovation at any level in attempt to stem the tide of abuse is welcome.

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