Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Executive Office of Health and Human Services 
Division of Medical Assistance 
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111


MassHealth 
Prescriber Bulletin 4 
December 2000 

TO: Physicians, Dental Providers, Outpatient Hospitals, Podiatrists, Community 
Health 
Centers, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners Participating in MassHealth 

FROM: Wendy E. Warring, Commissioner 

RE: Suspension of Prescriber Bulletin 1—Certain Brand-Name Multi-Source Drugs 

Prior Authorization No Longer Required for Certain Drugs

In June 2000, the Division of Medical Assistance suspended MassHealth 
Prescriber Bulletin 1 (dated March 2000), which required prior 
authorization for brand-name multi-source analgesics, benzodiazepines, 
and muscle relaxants. 

MassHealth members who could not get their prescriptions for these 
products filled as a result of the policy stated in Prescriber Bulletin 1 can 
have a new prescription for that drug filled without getting prior 
authorization. Any such prescription must comply with all applicable laws 
and regulations, including those governing medical necessity. 

Reimbursement to Members

If a member paid for a brand-name drug listed above between March 15, 
2000, and July 4, 2000, instead of accepting a generic substitute, the 
member may be able to get reimbursed by the Division. 

The Division will notify members who may be eligible for reimbursement, 
and provide instructions for requesting reimbursement. To receive 
reimbursement, the member must send to the Division, within 90 days of 
the date of the notice: 

• a copy of the notice; and 
• a receipt of payment or a printout from the pharmacy showing 
payment. 

The Division will send a reimbursement check directly to qualifying 
members. 

Questions

If you have any questions about the information in this bulletin, please 
contact the MassHealth Provider Services Department at (617) 628-4141 
or 1-800-325-5231.