Access Denied: Medicaid’s Barrier to Dermatologic Treatment
Vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA) are not just cosmetic concerns—they profoundly affect patients’ quality of life. While the FDA has approved innovative JAK inhibitors and other treatments, Medicaid formularies largely fail to provide coverage, making access impossible for many.
A recent analysis of state Medicaid formularies found that no state directly covered AA treatments except California (for baricitinib), and vitiligo medications faced similar exclusions. Many states required prior authorization or did not list these treatments at all, creating unnecessary hurdles for patients.
Without Medicaid coverage, low-income patients have no access to these essential therapies. Federal regulations also prevent them from utilizing standard patient assistance programs available to commercially insured individuals. Read the full study to understand the implications.
