Utah lawmakers had hoped to save up to $8 million last year by steering Medicaid patients to a "preferred list" of less-expensive prescription medicines. But the payoff was even greater: $27.6 million in fiscal year 2011, according to new Utah Department of Health data.Until now, Medicaid recipients in Utah have enjoyed almost unfettered access to mental health drugs. Those who need other prescriptions face a "preferred drug list," which guides them to safest, best and cheapest medicines. Mental health professionals continue to oppose the measure, fearing it will make it harder to treat an already hard-to-treat population. Salt Lake Tribune
