Boston-based substance use disorder (SUD) startup Bicycle Health has announced a major partnership with medical provider Wellpath and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) to deliver OUD treatment for formerly incarcerated individuals at reentry centers across the United States. This initiative represents a critical step in addressing the urgent needs of individuals at high risk of opioid overdose after leaving incarceration.
The partnership will leverage Bicycle Health’s virtual medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, providing formerly incarcerated individuals with access to comprehensive care to support recovery and successful reintegration into society.
The Need for OUD Treatment Among Formerly Incarcerated Populations
Research shows that individuals leaving incarceration face dramatically higher risks of overdose death compared to the general public. Within the first two weeks post-release, they are 40 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose.
Nearly one in five incarcerated individuals struggle with opioid use disorder, yet access to effective treatment during and after incarceration is often limited. Barriers such as stigma, lack of transportation, and gaps in care coordination leave many vulnerable to relapse.
This partnership provides a scalable solution, offering OUD treatment for formerly incarcerated individuals through telehealth and other evidence-based services. By connecting patients to care immediately upon reentry, the program aims to reduce overdose risk and improve long-term recovery outcomes.
How the Program Works
Through the initiative, Bicycle Health will bring its virtual MAT program to residents of FBOP Reentry Centers in 42 states, creating individualized treatment plans for each patient.
Participants in the program will have access to:
- Telehealth visits with licensed clinicians specializing in OUD treatment
- Medication management to safely manage opioid use disorder
- Peer support groups to foster accountability and social connection
- Psychotherapy sessions to address underlying mental health challenges
- In-home diagnostic testing to monitor overall health and treatment progress
This holistic approach ensures that OUD treatment for formerly incarcerated individuals addresses both medical and psychosocial needs, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
“Nearly one-in-five incarcerated people struggle with opioid use disorder, and unfortunately, opioid-related overdose is the leading cause of death for those released from jail or prison,” said Justin Guadagno, Chief Commercial Officer at Bicycle Health. “Our collaboration with Wellpath creates an entirely new, scalable approach to rehabilitation that will give people a fighting chance to achieve long-term recovery when they re-enter society.”
Bicycle Health’s Growing Role in Virtual MAT
Bicycle Health has rapidly gained attention for its innovative virtual MAT platform. In June, the company closed a $50 million Series B funding round, bringing its total fundraising to $83 million.
This FBOP partnership builds on Bicycle Health’s prior work, including a partnership with Cigna Corp’s Evernorth in August to provide OUD treatment for its members. These initiatives demonstrate Bicycle Health’s commitment to expanding access to OUD treatment for formerly incarcerated populations and other underserved groups.
Wellpath’s Role in Supporting Reentry Care
Wellpath, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, provides localized healthcare services in challenging clinical environments, including prisons, state hospitals, and forensic treatment centers. The organization serves over 300,000 patients across 600 facilities, with a focus on medical and behavioral health care for underserved populations.
“Telehealth is now well understood to be a widespread, highly effective treatment delivery option for patients with opioid use disorder, which is why we chose to work with Bicycle Health,” said Dr. Thomas Pangburn, Chief Clinical Officer at Wellpath. “This collaboration allows us to provide OUD treatment for formerly incarcerated people in a convenient, evidence-based way, helping streamline the reentry process and improve outcomes.”
The Broader Context: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Reentry
The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across the U.S., and individuals leaving incarceration are particularly vulnerable due to disrupted care, untreated SUD, and social challenges.
Other initiatives targeting this population include:
- Groups Recover Together, partnering with state correctional departments in Indiana and Maine to provide transitional care and reentry services.
- Boulder Care, a virtual MAT provider, collaborating with the Oregon Department of Corrections to deliver telehealth and MAT services to justice-involved individuals.
Programs like these, combined with Bicycle Health and Wellpath’s efforts, demonstrate a growing commitment to expanding OUD treatment for formerly incarcerated individuals nationwide.
Looking Ahead
By integrating telehealth MAT with peer support and behavioral health care, Bicycle Health and Wellpath are setting a new standard for OUD treatment for formerly incarcerated populations. This approach not only reduces the risk of relapse and overdose but also improves long-term reintegration outcomes, offering hope and stability for those transitioning back into society.
As the program expands across 42 states, thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals will gain access to the care they need to recover from opioid use disorder and rebuild their lives. This collaboration exemplifies how innovative, scalable solutions can make a meaningful difference in addressing the opioid crisis in vulnerable populations.
