SB 1083 is a bill that seeks to amend the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) policies regarding medications for mental disorders. The bill proposes to prohibit AHCCCS from implementing prior authorization requirements or step therapy protocols for drugs prescribed to members 18 years or older for the treatment of certain mental disorders. These disorders include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, paranoid and other psychotic disorders, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizoaffective disorders, and schizophrenia. The medications must be on the approved behavioral health drug list or available under the Medicaid drug rebate program and not exceed FDA-approved dosages.

The bill's fiscal note estimates that it would increase AHCCCS costs by $77 million from the General Fund and $308 million in total funds annually. This is due to anticipated increases in drug utilization, shifts from lower-cost to higher-cost drugs, and the loss of supplemental rebates that AHCCCS currently negotiates with drug manufacturers. The actual cost increase is speculative and would depend on various factors, including the effectiveness of current prior authorization requirements and step therapy protocols in managing prescription drug benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2907, 36-3410.01, 89-97, 36-2901, 36-2931, 36-2908, 36-2901.08, 36-2901.09, 36-2201