PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
Keeping you informed of events, news and resources
concerning Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities

MENTAL HEALTH CARE SAFETY NET
ADDS TWO NEW DRUGS

LITHIUM AND DEPAKOTE AVAILABLE TO TENNCARE DISENROLLEES IN THE
SEVERELY AND PERSISTENTLY MENTALLY ILL (SPMI) POPULATION

NASHVILLE –Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts announced today that two drugs used primarily for the treatment of bipolar disorder will be added to the state’s health care safety net program for the severely and persistently mentally ill (SPMI) population.

“We continue to develop ways to strengthen the health options available through the state’s safety net to help people transition from TennCare to other patient assistance programs and community resources,” said Commissioner Betts. “These two medications, which are mood stabilizers, will specifically benefit approximately 4000 eligible Tennesseans with bipolar disorder who hold an SPMI drug supplement card.”

The Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities recommended the addition of the two drugs after reviewing the existing drugs available through the Express Scripts formulary. Each of the drugs will be available, effective September 15, 2005, for a $5 copay for a 30-day supply from local pharmacies participating in the Express Scripts Broad Access Network, which currently administers the drug discount and atypical pharmacy assistance for the SPMI population. These additions will provide transitional assistance until individuals can enroll in manufacturer-sponsored pharmacy assistance programs.

Today’s announcement complements a major initiative to build the state’s mental health safety net announced by Governor Phil Bredesen and Betts earlier this year. Under that partnership, funding is being provided to 20 nonprofit community mental health agencies across Tennessee to continue key mental health services such as medication management and therapeutics for patients with severe mental illnesses coming off TennCare.

“Mood stabilizers are an important pharmaceutical intervention for several of the severe mental illnesses. The addition of these effective agents will be of much value to those who have serious mental illness,” Betts said.

Information about the broader network of transitional services available to former TennCare members is available through the Health Options Hotline, operated by the State of Tennessee, at 1-888-486-9355. Services include Rx Outreach for generic drugs as well as a discount card for brand and generic drugs and assistance in participating in drug manufacturers’ pharmacy assistance programs. Assistance is also offered in accessing the community mental health agencies, as well as the additional services offered to people with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

For more information visit the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities at : www.state.tn.us/mental.