{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Attorney Anna Whites says Medicaid provider Coventry Cares has reversed its decision to discontinue paying for Suboxone, an expensive medication that helps drug addicts. Whites represents SelfRefind, which operates addiction treatment centers in Kentucky. Coventry spokesman Mat Eyles said in an email Monday that the company will continue covering Suboxone and similar medicines and has asked to meet with the state, SelfRefind and others to talk about the best practices for addiction recovery treatment. SelfRefind had threatened to sue Coventry in federal court, saying the managed care company's decision to stop paying for Suboxone violated it's contract with the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services and federal disability laws. The cabinet, which oversees Medicaid, also sent a letter to Coventry last week warning that its decision to drop coverage of Suboxone would be a contract violation.
