Lead: Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Coverage and Utilization Management in Medicaid Managed Care Plans

Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Coverage and Utilization Management in Medicaid Managed Care Plans 

JAMA Network Open

This cross-sectional study examined how Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) cover and manage medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD). A content analysis of publicly available data from all 241 comprehensive Medicaid MCPs in 2021 revealed that 103 plans (42.7%) covered all approved medications (acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram) for AUD. Prior authorization and quantity limits were used rarely, except for injectable naltrexone. This study suggests that expanding medication use for AUD and providing patient-centered care may be undermined by insurance coverage limitations.

 

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