Also see More Alert Info
Comparison of Mental Health
Provisions in the House and Senate Budgets
Senate Conference
Committee Members
House Conference
Committee Members
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This is a second alert on this important topic, with simpler language. Remember, calls must be made this weekend to make a difference as we expect the conferees to begin meeting on Monday. Thank you for all your efforts to mobilize your membership to call their Senators and Representatives who serve on the conference committee. All of those contacts are in the email sent just moments ago. Call if you have questions!! NAMI North Carolina LEGISLATIVE ALERT… ACTION NEEDED NOW We oppose prior authorization requirements or other restrictions for Medicaid recipients for the treatment of mental illness. Talking Points:
Individuals react differently to medications. Decisions about which medications to use are best decided between a doctor and the person getting treatment. If a patient has to “fail first” on a medication that is on the Medicaid formulary or is switched from the medication he is stable on to another, there is a risk of harm. Prior authorization would put an even greater burden on our community emergency rooms, state hospitals and jails. Action: Call today and tell them not to restrict access to mental health medications. Tell them: adopt the House version of the Medicaid special provision section 10.36 (d) item (28) which says, “DHHS shall not impose prior authorization requirements or other restrictions under the State Medical Assistance Program on medications prescribed for Medicaid recipients for the treatment of (i) mental illness, including but not limited to, medications for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder…” Debra G. Dihoff, MA Executive Director, NAMI/NC 309 W. Millbrook, Raleigh NC 27609 919 788 0801 FAX 919 788 0906 |