Coverage Requirements and Limitations
To ensure that prescription drugs are used safely and cost-effectively, some drugs are included in our Responsible RX programs. These program requirements include:
- Prior Authorization:1 Your doctor may need to submit a Prior Authorization request before the drug will be covered. Without a Prior Authorization approval, your drug may not be covered and you may pay the full cost.
- Step Therapy:2 There may be another drug that is clinically effective that must be tried first. If you’ve already tried the other drug(s), your doctor can submit medical records for consideration.
- Quantity Limits:3 There may be a quantity limit on the amount filled each time. If you require more than the allowed limit, your doctor can submit a request for consideration.
Login for quick answers about your specific drug coverage. View your Medication Guide or use the Drug Comparison Tool.
Drug Tiers and Your Cost Share
Follow these 3 simple recommendations to save you the most money on your prescription drugs.
- Use Tier 1 generics.
- Use an in-network pharmacy like Walgreens or Publix. Check your benefits package with your employer, or log in to your online account and search for the list of pharmacies in your network.
- Use home delivery pharmacy services for maintenance medications.
Your cost share is based on a tier level4 and drug category5. The lower the tier, the lower your cost share will be. Some plans include 2 tiers while others include 3 to 7 tiers. Below you’ll find an example of a 4-Tier plan and how it works. This example doesn’t represent the drug tier structure for all Florida Blue plans. For the drug tiers and cost shares that apply to your plan, log in to your online account. You can find other resources for drug tier information and cost information in your plan’s medication guide or by using the Drug Comparison Tool.
Example
- Tier 1 — Generic Drugs with $10 copay
- Tier 2 — Preferred Brand Drugs with $25 copay
- Tier 3 — Non-Preferred Brand Drugs with $50 copay after deductible of $500 is met. Ask your doctor about generic or brand alternatives in Tier 1 or Tier 2, which can save you money.
- Tier 4 — Specialty drugs with $150 copay after deductible of $500 is met. These drugs include self-administered, injectable medications and doctor-administered drugs.
Good news: Lower Out-of-Pocket Cost for Insulin. We’ve reduced the cost of several commonly used brand name insulin medications. Members’ insulin copay amounts will range from $0 – $5 for a 30-day supply, or $0 – $10 for a 90-day home delivery supply. 1
1 Dependent upon the insulin type chosen and your plan's benefits.
Home Delivery Pharmacy Services
If your plan includes home delivery pharmacy services, you may be able to get a 90-day supply of prescription drugs at a lower cost. Some plans include generic medications to manage chronic conditions when you use home delivery. Check your plan benefits and don’t forget to use the Drug Comparison tool.
Sync Your Refills
You may be able to sync your prescriptions and pick them up at the same time, even if the entire supply hasn’t been used yet. You can ask your pharmacist to call Prime Therapeutics for approval at 1-800-821-4795.
Exceptions
The following can't be partially filled using the sync program:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Controlled substances
- Prescriptions dispensed in an unbreakable or multi-dose package
Fine Print on Refill Time Frames and Controlled Substances
- Prescriptions can be filled or refilled within one year from the date they are written.
- Prescriptions for a controlled Schedule II can’t be refilled.
- Prescriptions for a controlled Schedule III, IV or V can’t be filled or refilled more than five times within six months after the date they were written.
1A prior authorization is an approval from Florida Blue that is required before certain services will be covered by your health plan. Your doctor will need to submit an authorization request that is approved prior to these services to ensure you have coverage. Exceptions may apply for medical emergencies.
2Certain drugs are not covered unless you try another FDA approved drug first. There may be a lower cost drug that is clinically and cost effective to treat your condition. If an alternate drug is not recommended for you or you had other insurance when you tried the alternate drug, simply ask your doctor to submit an authorization form to request that the drug be covered.
3Some drugs have a maximum quantity that is covered for a given time period. For example, if your doctor prescribes a medication that has a 30-day limit of 9 tablets, your plan covers 9 tablets that month. These safety limits are based on the drug manufacturer’s and Food and Drug Administration’s dosing guidelines.
4Prescription drugs are grouped by Tier. The lower the tier, the lower your cost share.
5This refers to a group of drugs, such as generic, preferred brand, non-preferred brand or therapeutic alternative.