U.S. Opioid Plan Would Make Only a Dent

The move to bump patient limits from 100 to 200 was met with mixed reactions by health professionals and patient advocates who say physicians often shy away from medication-assisted treatment because they don't have the staff or the financial incentive to prescribe it.

The White House estimates the rule could increase treatment to “tens of thousands” of people with opioid use disorders, but the level of unmet demand means the effort is unlikely to make a big enough difference in saving lives.