Change in Preferred Drug List Status for Stimulants and Related Agents Drug Class

Date: July 28, 2026

Attention: Providers

Effective date: July 29, 2026

Call to action: Effective July 29, 2026, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) temporarily removed the non-preferred status from certain generic Ritalin LA® products on the Texas Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL). This temporary change was implemented in response to a potential supply gap and product backorder involving brand-name Ritalin LA® products due to product allocation by Sandoz. The update is intended to maintain access to stimulant therapy without requiring PDL prior authorization for the affected generic products.

How this impacts providers: The temporary change will allow providers to prescribe the affected generic Ritalin LA® products without requiring PDL prior authorization at this time, helping maintain access to necessary medication for Texas Medicaid members during the potential supply disruption.

Next step for Providers: Prescribers are encouraged to proactively consider and prescribe the affected generic Ritalin LA® products, when clinically appropriate, to avoid disruption in therapy. Prescribers should share this communication with their staff.

If you have any questions, please email TCHP Pharmacy at: tchppharmacy@texaschildrens.org.

For access to all provider alerts: www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/for-providers.