Getting the right medication is critical for people living with mental health disorders or chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis or AIDS. But because prescription drugs can be so costly, many insurance companies don’t allow patients to start with the newest and most expensive drugs. Patients are required to try less expensive alternatives first. Now - despite strong opposition from patient advocacy groups - the Kansas Medicaid program is moving in that direction too. Heartland Health Monitor’s Jim McLean has the story.
Jim McLean is a reporter for the KHI News Service in Topeka and a contributor to Heartland Health Monitor.
Heartland Health Monitor is a reporting collaboration focused on health issues and their impact in Kansas and Missouri. The partners — Kansas Public Radio, KCUR, KMUW, KCPT Public Television and the KHI News Service — strive to bring listeners and readers timely, accurate and comprehensive coverage of health and health-related issues.
