FEBRUARY 15, 2022
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New federal data: Oregon is No.
2 in country for addiction; falls
to 50th in access to treatment
PORTLAND, ORE. — New 2020 data from the National
Survey on Drug Use and Health, conducted by the Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services, reveals:
• Oregon now ranks second in the country for substance
use disorder — up from fourth in 2019 — with 18.22 per-
cent of the population suffering from addiction to alcohol
and/or drugs. That’s nearly one in five Oregonians.
• Oregon fell to 50th in access to treatment, with 18.08
percent of Oregonians needing, but not receiving treat-
ment.
• Alcohol is by far Oregon’s biggest addiction problem,
with 12.43 percent or about 420,000 Oregonians suffering
from alcohol use disorder. Oregon ranks fifth nationally
in alcohol addiction.
• Oregon ranks first in prescription opioid misuse (4.46
percent or 150,000 Oregonians), a 2 percent decrease from
2019.
• Oregon ranks first in methamphetamine use (1.93 per-
cent or 65,000 Oregonians), a 53 percent or 23,000-person
increase from 2019.
Additionally, the state’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Sean
Hurst, recently testified to the Oregon Legislature that between
2019 and 2020:
• Alcohol-related deaths in Oregon increased 73 percent.
• Drug overdoses were up 39 percent.
• Preliminary 2021 data (the first six months) suggest
that addiction-related deaths in the second year of the
pandemic will outpace the first year. 
COVID-19
TESTS- FAQS
As you know recently released guidance provides for over the
counter (OTC) COVID tests without a prescription and usually with no
out-of-pocket cost to you. Here is what you should know.
Starting January 15, 2022 and for the duration of the public
health emergency, you can obtain OTC, at-home, diagnostic
COVID-19 antigen tests that have been authorized, cleared or
approved by the FDA.
You are allowed 8 tests per 30-day period per member. There
will be no out-of-pocket costs when you use your pharmacy
benefit and obtain the tests at OptumRx contracted Walmart
pharmacies. Additional retail partners will be added soon.
These limitations do not apply to COVID tests ordered by
your provider.
If you choose to obtain a test outside the participating
Walmarts, you will pay for the test and you may submit a
request for reimbursement for the actual price or up to $12
per test, whichever is lower. you are responsible for any
amount over $12.
Requests for reimbursement are made through your pharmacy
benefit using these steps:
Access claim forms at
https://www.optumrx.com/public/information-
center/public-forms
click on "Claim Forms" & "Online Claim Form"
Follow instructions for online form or download the
form and complete the instructions.
Shasta customer service can assist
Reimbursement is not available for OTC COVID tests
purchased prior to January 15th, 2022.
Contact shasta customer service at (800) 441-4518 if you
have additional questions.
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