Medication-Assisted Treatment for Philadelphia Callers
From 2017 to 2023, the number of Philadelphia prescribers writing buprenorphine prescriptions nearly tripled to almost 1,500 — a direct response to the overdose crisis and the elimination of the federal X-waiver (Philadelphia Department of Public Health).
What MAT Is
Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy. For opioid use disorder, the three primary medications are buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade), methadone, and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol). For alcohol use disorder, naltrexone (oral or injection), acamprosate, and disulfiram are used. MAT is evidence-based — the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the CDC all endorse it as the clinical standard of care for opioid use disorder.
MAT During Inpatient Stays
The licensed programs we refer to start MAT during medical detox and continue it through residential rehab. Buprenorphine induction happens in the first 24-72 hours. Sublocade (monthly injectable buprenorphine) or Vivitrol (monthly injectable naltrexone) can be started during the stay to simplify outpatient continuation. Philadelphia callers specifically should ask about Sublocade — Prevention Point and other local providers report increased interest in the monthly injectable format because daily oral dosing adherence is hard in early recovery.
Talk to a placement advisor now.
Call (215) 302-0133 for free insurance verification. No obligation. Advisors answer around the clock.
MAT After Discharge
MAT is typically continued for months to years after inpatient discharge. Relapse rates without MAT in opioid use disorder are high; MAT reduces opioid overdose mortality by 50% or more across multiple studies. The programs we refer to coordinate outpatient MAT providers before discharge so there is no gap in medication continuity.
Insurance Coverage for MAT
Under PA Act 106 and federal parity, MAT medications and associated counseling are covered on fully-insured group plans. Most commercial plans cover buprenorphine and naltrexone without prior authorization; methadone requires enrollment in a licensed Opioid Treatment Program. Placement advisors verify specific coverage, including whether your plan prefers the oral or injectable formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MAT just replacing one addiction with another?
How long should I stay on MAT?
Does insurance cover Sublocade?
Talk to a placement advisor now.
Call (215) 302-0133 for free insurance verification. No obligation. Advisors answer around the clock.