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October 21, 2016

Cigna to end pre-authorization meds rule for opioid abuse

HBJ File Photo Cigna headquarters in Bloomfield.

Bloomfield-based Cigna is taking the lead among insurers by ending its policy of requiring preauthorization for medications used to treat opioid abuse, according to New York's attorney general.

AG Eric T. Schneiderman announced the change in a settlement with the company just months after requesting that Cigna provide information about its medication treatment policies to address concerns about barriers to treatment for opioid "use disorder." Preauthorization requirements can lead to delays – sometimes significantly -- in the treatment of addiction.

So-called "medication assisted treatment," or MAT, when prescribed and monitored properly, has proved effective in helping patients recover from the disorder, and is both safe and cost-effective in reducing the risk of overdose, Schneiderman said.

The policy change will apply to most members nationally, not just in New York.

Prior approval information requested by Cigna in the past in some instances took several days, Schneiderman added. He encouraged other insurers to follow Cigna's example.

The Legal Action Center and the American Society of Addiction Medicine hailed the change as good for patients.

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