Harm reduction is an evidence-based strategy designed to reduce the negative effects of drug and alcohol use. Despite its proven effectiveness, it remains underutilized, underfunded, and often misunderstood in mainstream health care settings. Medicaid plays a major role in providing care to people who use drugs and alcohol — including those who have substance use disorders (SUD) or are in recovery — and is uniquely positioned to expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based SUD services, including harm reduction.

To explore how harm reduction can be effectively integrated and sustained within health care settings that serve Medicaid beneficiaries, Anka Consulting and the Center for Health Care Strategies conducted a national literature review and stakeholder interviews. Drawing on these findings, this new brief, supported by Vital Strategies, outlines practical strategies for health care organizations and states to advance harm reduction for Medicaid members, with the goal of improving outcomes and reducing costs.