MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
Discontinuation of Coverage of Certain Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jul 1, 2005
We identified it
Jun 21, 2026
Summary
Illinois Medicaid will discontinue coverage of certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for adults age 21 and over effective July 1, 2005, with antacids/acid reducers delayed until September 1, 2005. Coverage for children under 21 remains unchanged and prior approval requests for pediatric OTC drugs will still be accepted.
Action Required
By July 1, 2005: Stop submitting prior authorization requests for OTC drugs (artificial tears, iron replacement, laxatives, lice treatment, non-sedating antihistamines, pain relief/analgesics, saline nasal spray, topical antibiotics, antifungals, and hydrocortisone) for Illinois Medicaid patients age 21 and over. By September 1, 2005: Also stop prior auth requests for antacids/acid reducers for adults. Continue normal prior authorization processes for all OTC drugs for patients under age 21.