We recently received a notice from Independence Blue Cross regarding standard quarterly changes to the Select Drug Program formulary, effective July 1, 2012.  Some of the changes include:

• additions of generic and brand drugs to the formulary;
• deletions of brand drugs from the formulary;
• additions to the list of drugs that require a physician to obtain prior authorization.

Full list of formulary updates

Prior Authorization Changes

Independence Blue Cross is making changes to their guidelines concerning procedures that support safe prescribing of prescription drugs.  Prescription medications are necessary to effectively treat certain medical conditions; However, they have the potential to be unsafe when not used properly.  In order to ensure that IBC members are using prescription drugs safely, IBC implements saf prescribing procedures, which includes applying prior authorization requirements to certain medications.

Prior authorization requirements were placed on the following drugs when they entered the marketplace:

• Edarbyclor
• Ervedge
• Inlyta
• Jentadueto
• Kalydeco
• Picatol

Communications

Members affected will be notified by IBC regarding changes to the formulary and their options.  Also, changes will be detailed in the IBC August edtition of Update magazine.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us.