Utilization management for prescription drugs

Additional requirements

Some covered medications have additional requirements or limits on coverage. Limits on coverage include prior authorization, step therapy and quantity limits. If a medication you are taking has prior authorization, step therapy requirements or quantity limitations, please download and complete the specific drug’s prior authorization form, and ask your doctor or other prescriber to fax it to us at 1-855-668-8552.

Prior authorization

Some covered drugs require approval in advance to get coverage. Prior approval is used for drugs that are and are not on our formulary. Some medications are covered only if your doctor or other network provider gets a prior authorization from us. Covered medications that need prior authorization are marked in the formulary.

• 2023 Prior authorization criteria - updated 9/1/23
• Medicare D coverage determination form - updated 6/14/22

Please note:

• Requests for coverage may be denied or dismissed unless all required information is received.
• Your provider’s office will receive a response via fax.
• For urgent requests, please call 1-866-270-3877 (TTY: 711).

Step therapy

Prior to some medications being approved, a different medication must be tried first. This first medication may or may not require a prior authorization.

• 2023 Step Therapy Criteria – updated 9/1/23
• 2023 Medical Step B therapy criteria (updated 9/1/23) list of preferred drugs.

Quantity limits

Dean Advantage requires that some prescription drugs have quantity limits to ensure quality, safety and proper use. We may limit the amount of the medication we cover per prescription or for a defined period of time.

The quantity listed is the quantity per month limitation. For Dean Advantage, the drug benefit typically allows coverage for a 30-day supply unless the medication is available at a 90-day-at-retail location per prescription claim. For medications with a higher strength available, members must use the higher strength with any dose increases. If a member requires a higher quantity per month, prior authorization is required.

Notice of formulary updates

Generally, if you are taking a medication on our formulary that was covered at the beginning of the year, we will not discontinue or reduce coverage of that medication during the coverage year except when a new, less expensive generic medication becomes available or when information is released that calls into question the safety or effectiveness of a medication. Other types of formulary changes, such as removing a medication from our formulary, will not affect members who are currently taking that medication. It will remain available at the same cost-sharing for the remainder of the coverage year, except for in cases in which you can save additional money or we can ensure your safety.

Additional information for certain drug therapies

Hospice Primary Billing form
BvD ESRD dialysis-related drugs
BvD TPN, IDPN, IPN