Under a law enacted this year, Medicaid plans in New York no longer require pre-authorizations for buprenorphine, but commercial insurance is not governed by the law. While pre-authorizations should only take several hours, paperwork hang-ups can postpone approval for days. These delays, in regards to treating opioid addiction, can result in relapse, overdose and death.
“Getting people into treatment faster, and when the window of opportunity is open, is vital to stemming the opioid addiction crisis,” said New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in a statement, according to USA Today. “Other health insurers should take notice of Cigna’s actions to remove access barriers to treat opioid dependency and I encourage those insurers to follow suit.”
Mr. Schneiderman’s office is also looking into more inquiries on restrictions other payers have on medication-assisted treatments, but the attorney general did not disclose the names of the companies.
“We appreciate the ongoing leadership of the New York Office of the Attorney General on this matter,” Cigna said in a statement, according to USA Today. “The misuse of opioids has taken a terrible toll in America, which is why Cigna is committed to reducing opioid use among our customers by 25 percent in three years.”
More articles about payer issues:
Minnesota individual plan enrollees face enrollment caps in already shrinking market
Louisiana Medicaid enrolls 326k post-expansion
BCBS of Montana relocates headquarters
