MAD covers medically necessary prescription drugs and some over-the-counter drugs, subject to the limitations and restrictions delineated in this section of this rule. Claims for injectable drugs, intravenous (IV) admixtures, IV nutritional products and other expensive medications may be reviewed for medical necessity before or after reimbursement. Providers must consult MAD, or its designated contractor, before supplying items not specifically listed in this policy or billing instructions. Drug restrictions include dosage, day supply, and refill frequency limits necessary to ensure appropriate utilization or to prevent fraud and abuse. In establishing such limits, professional standards are considered.
A. For a MAP eligible recipient 21 years of age and older not in an institution, coverage of over-the-counter items is limited to insulin, diabetic test strips, prenatal vitamins, electrolyte replacement system, ophthalmic lubricants, pediculosides and scabicides, sodium chloride for inhalations, topical and vaginal antifungals and topical anti-inflammatories. MAD, or its designee, may expand the list of covered over-the-counter items after making a specific determination that it is overall more economical to cover an over-the-counter item as an alternative to prescription items or when an over the counter item is a preferred therapeutic alternative to prescription drug items. Such coverage is incorporated as part of the generic-first coverage provisions. Otherwise, the MAP eligible recipient 21 years and older, or his or her authorized representative is responsible for purchasing or otherwise obtaining an over-the-counter item. Prior authorization for coverage of other over the counter products may be requested when a specific regimen of over the counter drugs is required to treat chronic disease conditions.B. When drugs are provided through a preferred drug list, drugs are subject to generic-first coverage provisions. The MAP eligible recipient must first use one or more generic items available on the preferred drug list to treat a condition before MAD covers a brand name drug for the condition. MAD publishes a list of the therapeutic categories of drug items that are exempt from the generic-first coverage provisions. Brand name drug items may be covered upon approval by MAD, or its designee, including HSD contracted managed care organization (MCO), based upon medical justification by the prescriber. Generic-first provisions do not apply to injectable drug items.N.M. Admin. Code § 8.324.4.12
8.324.4.12 NMAC - Rp, 8.324.4.12 NMAC, 1-1-14