Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently halted the requirements for a doctor to obtain prior authorization with a health insurance carrier before using certain medications to treat opioid use disorder as part of medication-assisted treatment.
MDHHS' Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said the change will greatly increase a patient's success in opioid addiction recovery.
“The removal of prior authorization for these medications in the Medicaid program will help increase access to treatment for people with opioid use disorders,” Khaldun said in a statement. “By eliminating this requirement, medical providers will be empowered to help people begin treatment when they are ready and increase their chances of a successful recovery.”
According to the MDHHS, the decision to remove the prior authorization requirement for the use of drugs such as buprenorphine, came after studying literature and gathering information from other states.
The MDHHS says it plans to have quarterly reviews of drug utilization claims to monitor any impacts.
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