PSAM Opposes Prior Authorization on Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment

On September 20th, the Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine (PSAM) sent a letter to members of the House Insurance Committee opposing Section 2118 of SB 225. Section 2118 allows insurers to implement prior authorization on medication for addiction treatment (MAT) beyond initial prescription and institute preferred medication policies.

In the letter, PSAM emphasized the detrimental impact that prior authorization can have on patient outcomes. According to surveys, 93% of physicians reported experiencing care delays due to prior authorization. Further, 82% of physicians indicated that prior authorization could lead to treatment abandonment. PSAM highlighted that delays and uncertainty caused by prior authorization can be the difference between life and death for individuals with addiction. Delays in receiving medication prescriptions can result in returning to use, overdose, or other adverse experiences that negatively impact treatment outcomes. Additionally, PSAM noted that prior authorization and preferred medication policies constrain practitioners’ ability to deliver evidence-based care in an efficient manner. As such, Section 2118 of SB 225 would create unnecessary barriers to treatment access and retention for individuals with addiction.

Read the letter here.