AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2009 BH "Dear Administrator" Letters
June 29, 2009
ADSA: BH #2009-012
CHANGES IN AVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION, NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND GLOVES
Dear Boarding Home Administrator:
The department is reviewing a number of issues related to medications and supplies used by residents, where the state’s Medicaid plan pays for their long-term care and services. This letter provides some information and points you to contacts and resources for questions you may have.
In recent years the department developed a Preferred Drug List (PDL). In order to determine the drugs to put on the PDL, the department considers the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indications, the dosage recommended, and whether the drug is successful in treating the stated symptoms for the population in question. Sometimes drugs that work for younger people are not successful when given to the elderly. For more information on the changes to the availability of certain medications, please see the websites listed on enclosure.
In addition, the department is looking at some items currently supplied for resident use, including nutritional supplements (such as Ensure), non-sterile gloves, diabetic and incontinent supplies. We have heard that some homes store large amounts of Ensure because residents do not use the product but they continue to accept shipments. Please see the enclosure to check what nutritional supplements, gloves, diabetic and incontinent supplies that Medicaid will continue to fund and in what amount. Also enclosed for your information are internet links to nutritional resources.
Besides the websites listed, the case manager is a key resource for residents who receive state funding. The case manager can identify other Medicaid services the resident may be eligible for to meet their needs, or to provide an assessment for revisions or updates to the service plan. If you still have questions, please refer to the contact for the specific medical supply.
Thank you for your continued interest in serving persons who are vulnerable in our state.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
