Healio (4/9, Kellner ) reports a study found that “most Medicaid managed care plans cover at least one FDA-approved medication for alcohol use disorder, but less than half covered all four.” Researchers investigated “which Medicaid managed care plans cover AUD medications – including acamprosate, disulfiram, oral naltrexone and injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol, Alkermes) – based on 2021 benefit data for 241 managed care plans.” They determined that “217 (90%) plans covered at least one AUD medication, and 103 (42.7%) covered all four.” Although most plans did not require prior authorizations for the oral medications, “nearly half (42.8%) of those that covered injectable naltrexone required it.” Researchers also noted that “less than half of enrollees in 19 states were covered by a plan that covered all AUD medications, and 12 states had no plans that covered all four.” The study was published in JAMA Network Open.
Related Links:
— “Only 43% of Medicaid managed care plans cover all medications for alcohol use disorder,”Sara Kellner, Healio, April 9, 2025