HR0681 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0681 LRB094 14829 DRJ 49820 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A recent study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health concluded that for some patients, the use of a specific drug has measurable advantages over other medications in the treatment of serious mental illnesses; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has implemented a policy, effective October 1, 2005, under which the Department will restrict access to certain mental illness medications to persons receiving medical assistance under the State's Medicaid program by imposing prior approval requirements on those medications; and

WHEREAS, The Department's decision to restrict access to those mental illness medications is particularly unfair because, unlike other medications that have been restricted, the decision to restrict access to certain drugs used to treat mental illness does not permit people who are currently taking a restricted medication to continue taking the medication because there is no good alternative medication; and

WHEREAS, The Department's decision to restrict access to mental health medications can result in higher costs to the State and local units of government because people get sicker after being denied medication and need additional costly services, including hospitalization; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to reconsider its decision to restrict access to medications used for the treatment of serious mental illnesses for people on Medicaid by imposing prior approval requirements on those medications; and be it further

RESOLVED, That before additional mental illness medications are made subject to prior approval restrictions under the Medicaid program, a full and open hearing on the matter should be held involving participation by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the General Assembly, and advocates for individuals suffering from mental illness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Director of Healthcare and Family Services and to the Governor.