MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
Elimination of Belbuca and Butrans from Long-Acting Sustained Release Opioid Prior Authorization pdf
Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health)·CT · Pain Management, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine +1 more·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Feb 1, 2019
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective February 1, 2019, Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY programs) eliminated prior authorization requirements for Belbuca (buprenorphine buccal film) and Butrans (buprenorphine transdermal patch). These medications can now be prescribed without prior approval for chronic pain management in covered patients.
Action Required
Update billing system to remove prior authorization requirements for Belbuca and Butrans prescriptions for Connecticut Medicaid patients. Notify providers that these buprenorphine medications no longer need PA approval but should still be reserved for patients where alternative treatments have failed. Update encounter forms and workflow to reflect this change for HUSKY A, B, C, D, Family Planning, and Tuberculosis coverage patients.