OPEN MINDS Releases Two New Market Intelligence Reports Focusing On Mental Health Prescription Drugs

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (October 18, 2015) – The OPEN MINDS Market Intelligence team released two new Market Intelligence Reports focused on mental health prescription drugs. The first report focuses on mental health prescription drugs managed under Medicaid/Medicare. The second report takes a detailed look at each state’s approach to monitoring atypical antipsychotics prescribed to children.

The first report, How Are Mental Health Prescription Drugs Managed Under Medicaid & Medicare?, takes a closer look at the cost of prescription drugs, including mental health drugs that are continuing to rise. In an effort to mitigate the rising costs of these prescription drugs and to mitigate their risk, payers are using a variety of mechanisms to regulate what drugs are provided through the pharmacy benefit and how often they are provided. This report details how health plans are managing access and answers a variety of questions, including:

1. How Do Health Plans Manage Access To Mental Health Prescription Drugs?
2. How Are Mental Health Prescription Drugs Managed Under Medicare?
3. How Are Mental Health Drugs Managed Under Medicaid?
4. A State-By-State Guide On Medicaid Mental Health Drug Management

The second report, How Do States Monitor Atypical Antipsychotics Prescribed To Children?, assesses antipsychotic drugs and their increased prescription to children. Antipsychotic drugs were originally developed to treat psychotic disorders in the adult population, but have now been prescribed to children as young as age three. There are a number of concerns being raised, including the FDA-approved ages for atypical antipsychotics. The report highlights the various state guidelines related to prescribing antipsychotics to children, and the initiatives in place to monitor those prescriptions specifically for children in foster care. The report answers many questions revolving around this topic, including:

1. Why Are There Concerns About Prescribing Antipsychotics To Children?
2. How Many Children Are Prescribed Antipsychotics?
3. What Are The FDA-Approved Ages For Atypical Antipsychotics?
4. What States Have Guidelines On Prescribing Antipsychotics To Children?
5. What States Have Initiatives To Monitor Antipsychotics Prescribed To Children In Foster Care?
6. OPEN MINDS Resources On Use of Antipsychotic Drugs For Children

“For these specific Market Intelligence Reports, our focus on prescription drugs and antipsychotics provides comprehensive industry specific information,” said Athena Mandros, Market Intelligence Analyst at OPEN MINDS. “The use of psychotropic medication is on the rise and the cost of prescribing such drugs is also significant. With these increases payers are implementing a number of regulations to prevent overspending. For me, the state-by-state guide on Medicaid mental health drug management is essential to understanding the various approaches.”

“Additionally, antipsychotics are a topic of interest especially when prescribed to youth. This is a controversial topic because antipsychotics were developed specifically to treat psychiatric disorders in the adult population. These drug are increasingly being provided to children as young as three. The report works to address many of these questions and concerns in an effort to provide a more complete understanding of the issue,” said Mandros.

The Market Intelligence Reports, a highly sought-after and analytical resource, are provided as a free resource to Premium members of the OPEN MINDS Circle. Click here for details on how to become a premium member. The reports are also available for purchase in the OPEN MINDS store by clicking here.

OPEN MINDS is a national market intelligence firm specializing in the sectors of the health and human service industry serving individuals with complex support needs: mental health; addiction treatment; children & family services; intellectual & developmental disabilities; chronic disease management; long term care; social services; correctional health care, reentry & diversion; and juvenile justice.

Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 75+ associates believe by providing the latest market intelligence and management best practices to organizations serving the health and social support needs of the most vulnerable consumers, those organizations will be better able to provide efficient and effective services. Learn more at www.openminds.com.

For additional questions and inquiries, please contact Tim Snyder, Vice President, Marketing, OPEN MINDS at 717-334-1329 or openminds@openminds.com.