...Uh, the same government that tells these people to take medications is now telling them they won't pay for 'em? (The alternatives: institutions...where the State pays for room and board...and electroshock...done with anesthesia etc. these days...or how about the popular alternative these days, letting 'em get themselves into trouble on the streets! All of the above are more expensive in the long run!)
SSAN Action Alert March 19, 2009

Issue: Urge Legislators to preserve Medicaid pharmacy benefits for people with psychiatric disabilities

Action: Call NYS Assembly and NYS Senate Health Committee Chairs NOW!

Senator Thomas Duane 518-455-2451

Assemblyman Richard Gottfried 518-455-4941

Leave the following message:

"I'm a registered voter from (your locality) calling to urge you to preserve Medicaid pharmacy benefits for people with psychiatric disabilities"

Background: The 2009-2010 Executive Budget Proposal includes measures that will restrict access to medications for people with psychiatric disabilities. We need to oppose these measures because choices about medications need to be made by people and their doctors, not bureaucrats! Join NYAPRS, NAMI-NYS, the Mental Health Association of New York State, the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and a host of other groups and individuals from across the state to urge the New York State Legislature to protect Medicaid pharmacy benefits for people with psychiatric disabilities.

DO NOT Expand the Medicaid Preferred Drug List to Include Antidepressants!
DO NOT Remove Prescriber Prevails Language!
DO NOT Implement Step Therapy!
DO NOT Limit Quantity, Frequency & Duration of Medicaid Medications!
DO NOT Abolish EPIC Wrap-Around Coverage for Non-Medicare Part D Drugs!
DO NOT Establish Prospective Drug Utilization Review for Anti-Psychotics!

Please report your efforts by emailing mgodinog@bcid.org

If you have any questions about this action alert, please contact Mike Godino at mgodino@bcid.org or by phone at 719-998-300.