Bill > HB610

This bill aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers for Medicaid patients seeking treatment for serious mental illnesses by preventing the Department of Public Health and Human Services from requiring prior authorization for certain antipsychotic drugs. Specifically, the bill mandates that the department cannot require pre-approval for any FDA-approved antipsychotic medication for Medicaid members 18 years and older. The goal is to help patients access necessary mental health medications more quickly and easily. However, the bill does not require the department to cover antipsychotic drugs that are not already eligible for coverage under federal Medicaid regulations (42 U.S.C. 1396r-8). The legislation will become effective 30 days after its passage and will apply to claims submitted for services provided on or after that effective date, meaning patients and healthcare providers can benefit from the streamlined authorization process from that point forward.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4187