850,000 people in San Diego County rely on Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, and starting this year, some pharmacy visits may look different.
Several medications and over-the-counter products now require doctor approval, and some are no longer covered. At-home COVID-19 tests now need prior authorization, although children under 21 may still get them with a pediatric prescription. Approvals are limited to four tests per month, and each request must be approved separately.
Adult combination multivitamins are no longer covered, and single vitamins and dry-eye drops may require doctor approval before Medi-Cal will pay for them. Allergy medications are limited to generic versions, and popular weight-loss drugs, including GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, are no longer covered when prescribed solely for weight loss. Some remain covered for diabetes treatment…