Providers recommend restricting 3 cancer drugs in Medicaid

In an effort to save money, health officials are considering a move that would restrict three cancer drugs for the 800,000 Kentuckians who are enrolled in Medicaid.

Patients could still get the drugs but would need advance approval from Medicaid. The move was recommended to Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Janie Miller by a committee of health care providers. Committee member and oncologist Dr. Cora Veza said the drugs are not commonly prescribed "and she did not believe the recommendation would limit the treatment of Medicaid cancer patients," The Associated Press reports.

As the number of Medicaid enrollments increases due to the recession, other states are reportedly considering making similar moves. (Read more)