Studies look at impact of new protease inhibitors, rebate policies, and other issues for state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs
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WASHINGTON, DC - The General Accounting Office (GAO), Inspector General’s (IG) Office of the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) are all working on reports that will attempt to measure drug costs and efficiency of federally-funded AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs).
The GAO has begun collecting data to make cost projections for ADAPs for the next one-to-one-and-a-half years, says Marcia Cross, the GAO analyst leading the project. There was no congressional call for the data; GAO initiated the study, says Ms. Cross, who adds that she expects to complete the report in September. One goal is to assess if high-cost drugs such as protease inhibitors might actually lower program costs by reducing hospitalizations. The report also may extrapolate the data to make some projections for Medicaid, she says. The IG is investigating whether the ADAPs are getting appropriate discounts . The Health Resources and Services Administration has issued a proposal to institute a formal rebate process for state ADAPs.
Finally, NASTAD, with funding from the Kaiser Family Foundation, is assessing the impact of protease inhibitors on ADAPs. That report should be issued the last week of April, when the directors meet in Washington, says a Kaiser spokeswoman.
Arkansas delays managed behavioral health program for Medicaid
LITTLE ROCK, AR—The Arkansas Medicaid program must delay its plans for a capitated behavioral health program for at least six months. Just as the department was moving ahead with its request-for-proposal (RFP), the legislature directed it to do a six-month study first on managed care for behavioral health. Legislators have been getting an earful about the backlash against managed care by consumers and providers, state officials say.
Ray Hanley, Arkansas Medicaid director, says that capitated managed care will help stimulate the creation of services in behavioral health. Currently, there is hardly any infrastructure for mental health in the southern part of the state, he says. There is also a lack of community-based services for children. The state planned to cap administration and profits at 8% and to contract with two behavioral health organizations that would operate statewide. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield partnered with Options Health Care.
Contact Mr. Hanley at 501-682-8305.
Studies look at impact of new protease inhibitors, rebate policies, and other issues for state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs
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