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Ducey limits Medicaid, state insurance opioid prescriptions

Posted at 6:59 PM, Oct 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-24 21:59:39-04
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is ordering the state's insurance plan for state employees and its Medicaid plan to limit narcotic painkiller prescriptions in an effort to cut future drug addictions.
 
The order signed by the Republican governor Monday limits the initial prescription of opioid drugs to a 7-day supply.
 
Ducey's actions were announced during a Capitol event kicking off a campaign highlighting substance abuse issues known as National Red Ribbon Week.
 
The Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family coordinates the yearly effort to educate Arizonans about substance abuse.
 
The state's Medicaid plan is also implementing $4 co-pays for some people who receive narcotic painkillers prescriptions. The co-pays are due after the prescription is filled and people can be kicked off the insurance program if they fail to pay.