The opioid public health emergency is affecting Americans of all ages; racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities; income classes; and geographic areas. However, older adults and persons with disabilities are among the groups most impacted by the opioid crisis because they often use prescription opioids to cope with acute pain, such as after a surgery, or ongoing pain from chronic conditions.

Through the aging and disability networks, the Administration for Community Living is helping to address the opioid crisis by:

Reaching people impacted by this crisis in the community (i.e., older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren), and connecting them with resources.

Offering resources to professionals and volunteers touching the lives of older people, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

Generating new knowledge on the impact of the opioid crisis on people with disabilities and older adults, as well as their families.

Fraud and abuse occur when:

Medicare beneficiaries are over-prescribed medications.

Medicare is billed for medications you were not prescribed.

Medicare is billed for medications you did not receive.

Protect Yourself and Others

Discuss non-opioid alternatives for treating chronic pain with your doctor.

Properly dispose of opioid medications after treatment is finished. There are local drug take back locations where you can dispose of unused medications.

To prevent drug misuse, do not share your prescription drugs with others.

Review your Medicare Summary Notice for any suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious, contact the ND SMP at ndsmp@minotstateu.edu 1-800-233-1737 or 858-3580.