Wyoming Begins New Prescription Preauthorization Program Under Medicaid

Wyoming on Oct. 1 began a new prescription preauthorization program in its Medicaid program for two drug classes as a way to reduce drug costs, the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reports. Initially, authorization will be required for proton pump inhibitors, such as Nexium and Prilosec, and for COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex and Vioxx, but if the program goes well, the state might expand the list of drugs needing preauthorization, the Tribune-Eagle reports. Patients taking proton pump inhibitors will have a 60-day "grace period" to take the medications before the state reviews their prescriptions. COX-2 inhibitors will be subject to an automatic review unless the drug is diagnosed for "immediate, acute pain," the Tribune Eagle reports. The state is uncertain how many Medicaid beneficiaries will be affected by the new policy, the Tribune-Eagle reports. The Wyoming Drug Utilization Review Board, an advisory panel to the state Department of Health, is expected to review the preauthorization policy this week (Azar, Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, 10/1).