Anthem Settles With New York State, Will End Pre-Authorization Of Opioid Addiction Treatment Drugs

Anthem affiliate Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire BCBS) ended its pre-authorization requirements for opioid addiction treatment medications as of January 30, 2017. The policy change is due to a settlement agreement with the New York Attorney General signed on January 17, 2017. In the agreement, Empire BCBS agreed to cover the costs of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder when prescribed by a MAT-authorized clinical professional. In November 2016, Cigna entered a similar agreement with the state, which applies to all of Cigna’s commercial plans in New York.

MAT medications include oral, topical, and injectable forms . . .