Medicaid can help fight opioid epidemic

Many things have been in the media about the opioid epidemic, but one of the big problems in the past was overprescribing to innocent people who then had to go to the streets for heroin to keep from being sick.

If we had medicated assisted treatments covered by Medicaid, it would help people with their daily struggles. They then have to struggle with the system to get their treatments. They give up because it is so hard for them. We cannot fight this disease without medications that these people can't receive.

We need to look at fixing the system to fix the people.

I have fought this battle for 10 years trying to get help for my family member. I am not an addict and it frustrates me trying to navigate the bureaucracy, but when you love someone you want to get them the right medical help so you keep trying. State of Iowa and Medicaid, please do the right thing.

Cyndi O'Brien

Cedar Rapids