Costs soar for fighting opioid abuse

Published September 12, 2016 3:47pm ET



The opioid epidemic is costing the healthcare industry, with spending on fighting opioid abuse and dependence rising by 3,200 percent in recent years.

A series of reports published Monday found that spending on opioid abuse rose from $71 million in 2011 to $721.8 million in 2015. The spending encompasses the charges that providers billed for services and procedures to insurers.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.