A new bill that would control the cost of mental health drugs to the Medicaid program in Kansas has advanced in the Legislature.
On Monday, the Senate gave first-round approval to a bill requiring a review of Medicaid's mental health prescriptions.
It also creates an advisory committee to draft guidelines on prescriptions for poor and disabled Kansans covered by the program.
The measure had bipartisan support and arose from discussions between Governor Brownback's administration and mental health advocates.
Last month, The Senate rejected a bill repealing a law from 2002 that blocks restrictions on mental health drugs for Medicaid participants.
Supporters of such efforts are looking for cost savings to help balance the state budget. They also worry some drugs are used improperly.
