At our recent Community First Health Plans P&T meeting, the Committee approved a selection of two diabetes preferred product lines for Medicaid: (1) Abbott (Freestyle & Precision) and (2) Nipro (True Result) brands. The P&T Committee chose a dual preferred option in order to give our members the most flexibility; that is, they will have a branded option and a private label option. The Nipro product can be found at retail pharmacies under private label (Walgreens, CVS, HEB and other independent pharmacies carry it). Also, for those that may lose their benefit and need to pay cash for these items, the Nipro test strips cost a fraction of the branded strips price.

To allow for a 90-day transition, beginning on May 1st, the notification message below will alert pharmacists and members directly at the point of sale that utilization of the preferred product will be required beginning on August 1st, 2012.

"PREFERRED METERS/STRIPS NIPRO (TRUE TO INCLUDE STORE BRANDS) AND ABBOT (FREESTYLE & PRECISION). NON-PREFERRED NO LONGER COVERED ON AUG 1, 2012."

Effective August 1st, 2012, all claims for non-preferred products will be rejected at the point of sale. Pharmacists will be instructed to request product substitution from the member’s prescriber. Alternatively, prescribers may request prior authorizations for the non-preferred diabetes glucose meter and test strips.