The Department has delayed implementation of the discontinuation of coverage of certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The effective date has been moved to August 1, 2005.

Effective August 1, 2005, the department will discontinue coverage of certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for adults age 21 and over. Drugs in the therapeutic classes listed below will be affected by the new policy. For classes where the effective date is a date other than August 1, the effective date is noted.

Antacids/Acid Reducers (Effective September 1, 2005)
Artificial Tears
Iron Replacement
Laxatives
Lice Treatment
Non-Sedating Antihistamines
Pain Relief/Analgesics
Saline Nasal Spray
Topical Antibiotic Preparations
Topical Antifungal Preparations
Topical Hydrocortisone Preparations

Prior approval requests for adults age 21 and over for OTC drugs in the above classes will not be accepted.

There will be no changes to coverage of OTC drugs for children under the age of 21. Prior approval requests for OTC drugs for children will continue to be accepted.