The proposed bill, HB2449, aims to amend existing laws regarding mental health medications under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). It exempts certain antipsychotic and antidepressant medications from prior authorization and limits step-therapy protocols, provided specific conditions are met. These conditions include that the medication must be prescribed for qualifying mental disorders, be on the approved drug list, and not exceed FDA-approved dosages. The bill also allows for step-therapy protocols that require trying only one alternative medication before coverage is granted for the prescribed drug.

Additionally, the bill mandates that AHCCCS must review newly FDA-approved drugs for mental health treatment at their first committee meeting following approval. It requires annual reporting on mental health medication claims, detailing the number of claims exempt from prior authorization, total costs, and savings from reduced hospitalizations. The changes will apply to contracts entered into or renewed after September 30, 2025, and include a definition of "step-therapy protocol" to clarify its application. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline access to necessary mental health medications while ensuring oversight and reporting on their use.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-3402, 20-3655, 36-2901, 36-2907, 20-2803, 36-2904, 36-2901.01, 36-2901.04, 36-2901.07, 36-2929, 36-3401, 36-2931, 20-3651
House Engrossed Version: 36-2907, 36-3410.01, 89-97, 36-2901, 36-2931, 36-2908, 36-2901.08, 36-2901.09, 36-2201