Skip to main content

Update to Outpatient Drug Services Handbook for Aducanumab-avwa (Aduhelm)

Last updated on

Note: Texas Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) must provide all medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services to eligible clients. Administrative procedures such as prior authorization, precertification, referrals, and claims/encounter data filing may differ from traditional Medicaid (fee-for-service) and from MCO to MCO. Providers should contact the client’s specific MCO for details.

On July 1, 2022, the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) will update the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual, Outpatient Drug Services Handbook section 6.4, “Aducanumab-avwa (Aduhelm),” to add prior authorization criteria.

The following criteria will be added for initial requests:

  • The clinical prior authorization applies to Medicaid clients only. Dual-eligible clients must follow the Medicare National Coverage Determination policy guidelines for monoclonal antibodies directed against amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • The prescriber attestation to obtain a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to the fifth, seventh, ninth, and twelfth infusion to check for asymptomatic amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA).
  • Enhanced clinical vigilance for ARIA is recommended during the first eight doses of Aduhelm and for patients with radiographic findings of ARIA. Additional monitoring and MRIs may be considered if clinically indicated.

The following criterion will be updated for recertification or extension:

Documentation of a brain MRI prior to the fifth, seventh, ninth, and twelfth infusion to check for ARIA.

For more information, call the TMHP Contact Center at 800-925-9126.