May 1, 2015: Hospital costs for treating drug-exposed newborns doubled between 2009 and 2012 to a staggering $1.5 billion every year, 80 percent of which is paid for by taxpayers, according to a government-funded study released yesterday — a spike researchers and lawmakers are attributing to the deepening opioid crisis.
“We are seeing not only that opioid addiction is taking a human toll, but a financial toll as well,” Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark said.
“This is a huge cost to the taxpayers.” Stephen Patrick is quoted.
