Traditional MedicareCoverageMedium impact
Newsletter Vol. 23, No.02
New Jersey Medicaid·NJ · Psychiatry, Neurology, Oncology +2 more·Pharmacy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2013
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Medicare Part D now covers benzodiazepines for all medically-accepted indications and barbiturates for epilepsy, cancer, or chronic mental health disorders. For dual-eligible patients, pharmacies must bill Medicare Part D first, and NJ Medicaid will no longer cover benzodiazepines for these patients.
Action Required
Immediately for dual-eligible Medicare Part D/NJ Medicaid patients: Pharmacy team must bill Medicare Part D first for all benzodiazepine and qualifying barbiturate prescriptions. For barbiturate claims denied by Medicare Part D, contact Molina Medical Exception Process at 1-877-888-2939 for prior authorization. NJ Medicaid will deny all benzodiazepine claims for Medicare Part D-eligible patients.