Maryland-Based Insurer Announces Moves to Address Opioids Crisis"The impact of opioids in the region we serve has been well documented," CareFirst President and Chief Executive Officer Chet Burrell said. "As the region's largest health insurer and one with a unique community mission, we want to take a comprehensive approach to address the opioid crisis for the greater community."Dec 14, 2017CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, which provides health insurance to 3.2 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia, announced new actions on Dec. 13 to combat the region's opioid crisis in the communities it serves and programs to address substance use disorders and provide addiction and behavioral health services to CareFirst members. Its efforts include $1.5 million in funding for non-profit community organizations for programs aimed at addressing substance use disorders, new prescribing limits, and treatment programs to limit opioid abuse and improve care for members battling addiction.The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and is a not-for-profit health care company."The impact of opioids in the region we serve has been well documented," CareFirst President and Chief Executive Officer Chet Burrell said. "As the region's largest health insurer and one with a unique community mission, we want to take a comprehensive approach to address the opioid crisis for the greater community, as well as to create and promote policies and programs for our members that address addiction and its disastrous health impacts on the individuals and families we cover."Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh joined him for the announcement. "Far too many individuals are familiar with the toll on our community caused by the use and abuse of opioids. It takes a toll on individuals, families, and the entire community," she said. "The Baltimore City Health Department has developed a comprehensive, three-pillar strategy to combat opioid addiction: prevent deaths from overdose and save lives, increase access to on-demand treatment and long-term recovery support, and provide education to reduce stigma and prevent addiction. But this is one of those situations which you can never do enough to address, and where you always welcome additional partners and resources. I'm glad to be here today with representatives of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. We know CareFirst as the area's largest health insurer, but the company is also one of the biggest corporate philanthropists in the region, and this effort is a great example of their commitment to greater Baltimore."