Medicaid and Medicare
Psychiatric Patients Win Medicare Part D Appeals
Psychiatric NewsAugust 4, 2006
Volume 41, Number 15, page 1
© 2006 American Psychiatric Association
By Mark Moran
During the course of evaluating Medicare Part D appeals, CMS clarifies that a dosage higher than that approved by the FDA should not be considered an off-label use and is thus not grounds to deny coverage.
At least two psychiatric patients have successfully appealed
medication denials under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program resulting in policy changes by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS).
Medicare Part D Drug Benefit Program
Organizational Coalition website offers information on the new Medicare Drug benefit program.
"Private companies will offer Medicare prescription drug coverage starting January 1, 2006. The decisions you make depend on what kind of health care coverage you have now. To find out more about what Medicare drug coverage means to you, read our publication, "A Guide to Getting Started." Official Medicare website providing access to all available information including "Prescription Drug Plan Provider Finder." National Mental Health Association has information and materials available to help individuals work through the enrollment process. Links to other organizations arealso provided.
Medicaid Reform in Other States
Kaiser Familiy Foundation: Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report November 9, 2005Highlights News Coverage of State Medicaid Developments
Article summarizes news coverage of recent Medicaid developments in Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Tennesse and West Virginia.