CRANBURY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AmeriHealth New Jersey today announced a benefit change that will make it easier for members to gain access to Narcan® (and the generic naloxone), which blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose when administered in time. The company is removing cost-share for the life-saving drug effective March 1, until the end of the year.
“AmeriHealth New Jersey has taken several steps to help prevent opioid abuse and to remove barriers for our members to get the help they need, but we felt we could do more,” said Dr. Frank L. Urbano, MD, MBA, FACP, senior medical director for AmeriHealth New Jersey. “The opioid epidemic is the most severe drug crisis in American history, and opioid abuse is only growing in our region.”
In New Jersey 2,056 people died from a drug overdose in 2016, an increase of 42 percent from 20151. “By making Narcan® more readily available to our members, we hope to help make a positive impact on these devastating statistics in our state,” said Dr. Urbano.
This benefit change will enable any AmeriHealth New Jersey member, who has pharmacy benefits with their health plan and has met their deductible, to have no cost-share for naloxone at the pharmacy. Members who are purchasing Narcan® or naloxone for themselves or for a covered member are eligible.
Injectable and nasal spray formulations of Narcan® and naloxone are included, but Evzio®, a naloxone auto-injection system, is not.
The benefit change will become effective March 1 for consumers and fully insured businesses, and April 1 for self-funded businesses that choose to participate.
Visit the AmeriHealth New Jersey website for additional resources available to members, providers and pharmacists.
About AmeriHealth New Jersey
At AmeriHealth New Jersey* we are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. Our members are at the center of everything we do. Since the onset of the Affordable Care Act, we have been committed to offering health plans on the Individual Marketplace, which has expanded access to coverage for New Jersey residents. We are exclusively focused on New Jersey with plans designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, small- and mid-sized business, municipalities and boards of education across the state. We also provide administrative services to self-funded groups. Named one of the Best Places to Work for the past seven years, AmeriHealth New Jersey is located in Cranbury, NJ. For more information visit amerihealthnj.com.
*AmeriHealth Insurance Company of New Jersey | AmeriHealth HMO, Inc.
