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KYSAM Pushes Back Against Potential Reinstating of Prior Authorization on Medications for OUD
On January 10, the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine (KYSAM) sent a comment letter to Secretary Eric Friedlander of the Kentucky Department of Health and Family Services opposing the prospect of reinstating prior authorization on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
In the letter, KYSAM recognized the importance of fiscal responsibility and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used for proper care. However, KYSAM argued that reinstating prior authorization on Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MOUDs would invite negative consequences on the health outcomes for patients with addiction. For example, KYSAM noted that the government of Kentucky and practitioners worked collaboratively to increase access to addiction treatment and reduce opioid overdose deaths. KYSAM expressed concern that resumption of prior authorization on MOUDs would create burdens on patients and practitioners alike. Indeed, KYSAM noted that prior authorization could jeopardize access to injectable forms of MOUDs which are proven to have utility in carceral settings among others. As such, KYSAM commented in respectful opposition to any resumption of prior authorization on FDA-approved MOUDs, including long-acting injectables.