The Ohio Medicaid program has recently sent information out to physicians participating in the program concerning a Preferred Drug List, effective April 2003. The information sent includes a comprehensive list of preferred drugs and those drugs that now require prior authorization. Some medications that have not needed prior authorization in the past may now require prior authorization. Gastrointestinal, upper respiratory, antihypertensives and analgesics are four main classes of drugs, which have been affected.
Medicaid is urging physicians to review the list and make note of any changes for preauthorization drugs before the effective rollout dates of April 7-May5th.
For further information you may contact Medicaid’s Medical Operations Section Prior Authorization Unit (614) 466-6065 or the Web site, http://www.state.oh.us/scripts/odjfs/ohp/formulary/index.asp