Antipsychotics and Antidepressants for TS

On January 25, the Tourette Association of America submitted comments on the Administration’s proposed changes to protected class drugs (antipsychotics and antidepressants) in Medicare Part D. These changes would allow Part D providers to change patients’ protected class prescriptions at any time, even if they have been stable on that particular medicine.

In addition, Part D providers would not have to cover off-label uses for drugs. Protecting our stable patients on medications under the protected class drugs is extremely important. In addition, private insurers and other programs often follow Medicare’s lead which makes the defense of the Protected Class Part D drugs important for all with Tourette Syndrome or Tic Disorders. In addition to our Tourette Association of America comments, we also signed onto comments from the MARrX Coalition and the Partnership to Protect Part D Access.

We were also represented by our membership in the National Health Council and Movement Disorders Policy Coalition with their comments submitted. As the Tourette Association of America, but also with the Partnership to Protect Part D Access, we have conducted dozens of Hill visits in the last six weeks to discuss the protected class drugs issue as well as other priorities.

You can take action at home by sending a letter to ensure your Representative and Senators know the public policy priorities for Tourette Syndrome are a priority for their constituents. The more letters they receive, the more our voices are amplified and the greater the impact will be, so please ask friends and family to send a letter as well.