Arkansas' opioid use disorder cases jumped post-pandemic
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Arkansas had the fourth-highest diagnoses of opioid use disorder in the U.S. among the commercially insured between 2021 and 2024, according to recent data.
Why it matters: The finding from FAIR Health's Opioid Tracker suggests the opioid crisis cuts across demographics and income levels, putting health systems and insurers under mounting pressure to manage addiction treatment.
By the numbers: Nationally, the diagnoses jumped nearly 40%. There were 539 patients with opioid use disorder diagnoses per 100,000 in 2024, an increase of 39.8% from 386 per 100,000 in 2021.
- Threat level: Arkansas' number was 1,218 per 100,000 — more than double the national average in 2024.
- Women made up 51% of the state's diagnoses. The most common age group was 31–40 (35.2%), followed by 41–50 (28%).
Stunning stat: As if the human toll weren't enough, it's estimated that the total average annual cost to Arkansas for each case is $551,000.
Zoom out: Tennessee had the highest rate, with 1,447, followed by West Virginia (1,323) and Kentucky (1,281).
Between the lines: Between 2021 and 2024, the data shows a shift in where opioid use disorder is treated.
- In-office care fell from 43.8% of claim lines in 2021 to 38.6% of claims in 2024.
- At the same time, telehealth services for OUD grew from 4.3% in 2021 to 6.3% in 2024 and care in nonresidential treatment facilities ticked up from 1% in 2021 to 9% in 2024.
What we're watching: Arkansas Children's Hospital announced this summer the construction of a $75 million research center in Little Rock dedicated to studying the impact of opioids on children and parents. At least $55 million will come from opioid and vaping settlement funds.
- Attorney General Tim Griffin is also using settlement funds to pay for the "one pill can kill" information campaign on college campuses throughout Arkansas.
Worthy of your time: The Revive AR app provides information about opioid addiction and how to access the overdose treatment drug naloxone.