The Informer

NAMI Alabama Position on Medicaid Preferred Drug List and Prior Authorization Approval

NAMI Alabama has advocated for open access to medications for persons with serious mental illness since its inception in the 1980's. The proposed Administrative Code change and HB 603 which have been introduced exclude anti-psychotic and anti-retroviral drugs. Based on the design of the program and the activities of the Agency in the last six years we believe that no-one will do without appropriately prescribed medications. If a medication is not on the preferred drug list, a request for prior authorization may be obtained. This rule will be applied across the boar to all other medications on the Medicaid Preferred Drug List. NAMI Alabama's position still calls for open access to medications. Access to generic medications

remains without change. Anti-psychotic medications are exempted from the rule change as well. In contrast to anti-psychotic medications, benezodiazephines, sedatives, and sleep aids have broad therapeutic uses and high potential for abuse. Management of utilization to foster the most appropriate use is needed.
Therefore, NAMI Alabama supports the Alabama Medicaid Agency's proposed Preferred Drug Program and it's proposed exemptions. NAMI Alabama recognizes Alabama Medicaid's history of seeking to safeguard patients and it's efforts to ensure that program changes do not shift services and costs. NAMI believes that Alabama