Pennsylvania has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with prescription opioid-related overdoses growing in the early 2000s and, more recently, high volumes of heroin and fentanyl coursing through the commonwealth due to its strategic location as a major transportation hub. The challenges faced by the commonwealth make for an ideal case study of how strong leadership can make a difference—even though the fight is not over yet.

A new spotlight analysis, developed by Manatt Health in partnership with the American Medical Association and the Pennsylvania Medical Society, focuses on two agencies—the Pennsylvania Medicaid agency and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department—and provides a detailed analysis of what the commonwealth has accomplished in three areas: substance use disorder treatment, pain management and harm reduction. Highlights include analysis of Pennsylvania’s...