The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Office of Medicaid
100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor
Quincy, MA  02171








May 2012

Dear Prescriber, 

This is a follow-up to our April 2012 joint letter in which we described changes 
to the MassHealth prior-authorization (PA) requirements for certain second-
generation (atypical) antipsychotics, which had been scheduled to go into effect 
on June 4, 2012.

We received many questions and suggestions in response to that letter and are 
appreciative of the feedback.  Based on those responses, we have decided to 
delay the changes announced in the April letter. The existing policies will 
remain in effect until further notice.  

Further information on second generation (atypical) antipsychotics, including 
applicable PA requirements, is set forth in the MassHealth Drug List (see Table 
24 and the related Evaluation Criteria).  The MassHealth Drug List and other 
information on second generation antipsychotics can be found on the MassHealth 
Pharmacy website at www.mass.gov/masshealth/pharmacy.
 

Sincerely,

	

Paul L. Jeffrey, PharmD	
Deputy Director
Office of Clinical Affairs                  
Director of Pharmacy
MassHealth

Debra A. Pinals, MD
Interim Deputy Commissioner
Clinical and Professional Services
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health