Mississippi Medicaid Drug Policy Limiting Prescription Drugs Soon Will Be Lifted for HIV-Positive People, Assistant AG Says

A policy limiting the number of brand-name prescription drugs that Mississippi's Medicaid program beneficiaries can receive soon will be lifted for HIV-positive people, according to state Assistant Attorney General Harold Pizzetta, the AP/Biloxi Sun Herald reports (AP/Biloxi Sun Herald, 1/30). Under the policy, which took effect on July 1, 2005, beneficiaries are allowed five prescriptions per month -- two brand-name drugs and three generic medications. The previous policy allowed beneficiaries to receive up to seven prescriptions per month -- five of any type and two additional drugs that require prior authorization (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 7/5/05). U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate on Saturday heard arguments from the attorneys of eight people who filed a lawsuit saying the current limit of five prescriptions violates federal law. Wingate said he probably will rule in two weeks on whether to grant a permanent injunction against the state (AP/Biloxi Sun Herald, 1/30).

Back to other news for January 31, 2006