Pharmacy News
Published June 24, 2019
We know costly medications are a concern for your clients. Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska regularly reviews the cost of prescription medications to determine if there are similar, less expensive medications on the market. As a result, Premera is changing the way we cover two prescription drugs.
Starting July 1, 2019, the following drugs will require pre-approval in order to be covered:
- Lorzone (brand name) 375 mg and 750 mg tablets
- Chlorzoxazone (generic) 250 mg, 375 mg, and 750 mg tablets
These medications are muscle relaxants used for the relief of acute musculoskeletal conditions.
Chlorzoxazone 500 mg tablets will continue to be covered without pre-approval. They are significantly less expensive than the generic and brand alternatives that require pre-approval.
Impacted members were notified of this change from late May through the first week of June.
If one of your clients comes to you with questions about this change, please have them call the number included in their member letter.