Medical & Pharmacy Policies and Guidelines

At Florida Blue, we are driven to help people and communities achieve better health. We are committed to the safety of our members and ensuring our providers have easy access to valuable information regarding the opioid crisis to assist patients at risk for opioid misuse or overdose.

Devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic continue, including opioid addiction and overdoses. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a potential decline in the number of overall drug overdoses from October 2023 to September 2024, ongoing awareness is key to prevent overdose deaths.¹ Naloxone, a life-saving medication, is available and recommended to be given to individuals at high risk for – or suspected of – experiencing an opioid overdose.

In response to the opioid crisis, we have curated helpful resources and guidelines for Florida Blue providers. This useful information may help educate your patients about pain management, use and misuse of opioids, and even life-saving medications they will want to keep accessible, if needed.

Please keep in mind, medical knowledge is always evolving. It is important to monitor emerging evidence, quality, affordability, patient preferences, and individual professional association clinical guidelines when formulating a treatment plan. 

References:
¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). CDC Reports Nearly 24% Decline in U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths.