Federal Medicaid regulations don’t require states to cover prescription drugs, yet most states do have drug coverage under their state Medicaid programs. But that fact is rapidly changing. With many states scrambling to make budget cuts wherever they can, it is often Medicaid patients that are bearing the burden--16 states are limiting the number of prescriptions covered under their Medicaid programs.
At Pharmacy Choice and Access Now, we recognize that health care for most isn't just about trips to the doctor, but is often about managing one's care through vital medications. Often, the community pharmacist is the health care provider patients see most often, particularly those who are disabled or suffering from chronic medical conditions. Providing coverage for a visit to the doctor will not be of much help to these patients if they are not also covered for the necessary prescriptions required to manage their ailment.
OpposingViews.com offers this breakdown of how those 16 states are limiting prescription drugs for their Medicaid patients:
“Arkansas, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia have all placed caps on the number of prescription drugs Medicaid patients can get. Alabama has limited Medicaid patients to one brand-name drug, while HIV and psychiatric drugs are excluded. Illinois has limited Medicaid patients to just four prescription drugs as a cost-cutting move, and patients who need more than four must get permission from the state.”
To find out how you can help lend your voice to the fight to preserve access to high quality pharmacy care for patients nationwide, visit Pharmacy Choice and Access Now today.