Pharmacy Lock-In Programs Slated For Expanded Use

Pharmacy lock-ins are not new – the program has been around since at least the 1970s, but recently it has gained attention as one tool to fight the current abuse and misuse of opioids. Although primarily used in Medicaid, pharmacy lock-in programs have recently expanded to include other payers. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA) allows Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans to operate a pharmacy lock-in program (see Summary Of The House–Senate Conference Report On S. 524, The Comprehensive Addiction And Recovery Act). And Anthem announced in 2016 that all affiliated health . . .