Obama Administration Proposes Removing 'Protected' Status for Some Medicare Drugs

Antidepressants, antipsychotics and drugs used to help with organ transplants

In a move that some fear could compromise care for Medicare recipients, the Obama administration is proposing to remove special protections that guarantee seniors access to a wide selection of three types of drugs.

The three classes of drugs — widely used antidepressants, antipsychotics and drugs that suppress the immune system to prevent the rejection of a transplanted organ — have enjoyed special "protected" status since the launch of the Medicare prescription benefit in 2006.

That has meant that the private insurance plans that deliver prescription benefits to seniors and disabled beneficiaries must cover "all or substantially all" medications in the class, allowing the broadest possible access. The plans can charge more for costlier drugs, but they can't just close their lists of approved drugs, or formularies, to protected medications.

Comments

[SQRLSY One]

In states where medical "pot" is legal, I think the feds should add pot to the list of "protected" meds, where my insurance & Medicare etc. should HAVE to cover, at 100%, my most expensive and high-quality dime bags of "Maui Waui" or "Panama Red".

[SusanM]

It's still funny that Obamacare still isn't fully implemented and Mr. "I give a shit about people" is already paring benefits back to save costs - you know, the one thing progs said would never happen?