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Did you know…if you have Medicaid insurance there may be restrictions on your prescriptions?

My doctor just gave me a new prescription --do I have to bring it to the pharmacy right away?

  • No, but you should have it filled as soon as you can
  • Medicaid will only pay for the prescription if it is filled within 60 days of the original date
  • After 60 days, Medicaid considers the prescription to be expired and you will need a new one

Can I get refills if I have Medicaid?

The person at the pharmacy told me I need a Prior Authorization (PA) from Medicaid--what are they talking about?

  • There are certain drugs that Medicaid will not pay for until your doctor calls Medicaid
  • When your doctor calls Medicaid, a Prior Authorization or "PA" number is given. This number must be given to the pharmacy so that their staff can activate the number
  • Once the Prior Authorization (PA) number is activated, the pharmacy can fill your medication
  • Not all drugs require a Prior Authorization (PA)
  • Check with your pharmacist when dropping off your prescription--sometimes it is helpful for the patient to call the doctor to also let them know that the prescription needs a Prior Authorization (PA)!

Can I transfer my prescription to another pharmacy if I use Medicaid?

  • Unfortunately, Medicaid doesn't allow prescriptions to be transferred between pharmacies
  • You cannot transfer a prescription even between different stores in the same chain
  • If you wish to use another pharmacy, you need a new prescription
Did you know? is a series of health articles written by HHPC and approved by our Health Advisory Board.
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