Prescription Drug Information

Drug Lists (Formularies)

CIGNA

ConnectiCare

Health Net

Oxford

Mail Order Prescriptions

Prescription Drug Q&A

Formulary and Prescription Drug
Step Therapy/Prior Authorization

What is a Medication Formulary and what is its purpose?

A Medication Formulary is an extensive list of safe and effective brand name and generic prescription drugs. It is a guide for physicians when they prescribe and pharmacists when they dispense medications. Drugs that appear on the formulary have been chosen on the basis of sound medical data, safety and cost. CIGNA HealthCare, ConnectiCare, Health Net and Oxford Health Plans have determined that a carefully managed formulary process can decrease drug costs while ensuring high-quality medical care.

Does the CBIA Health Connections prescription drug benefit incorporate the use of formularies and generic drugs?

Yes. The prescription benefit under the CBIA Health Connections plan has always been a formulary-based, program. A formulary-based program requires that any medication filled for a member (brand or generic) must be included on the member’s health plan formulary to be covered.

What is the difference between a brand-name drug and a generic?

Brand-name drugs are protected by a patent and manufactured by a specific company. Generic drugs are manufactured according to the same chemical formula of the brand-name drugs whose patents have expired. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that generic drugs have the same active chemical composition, and have the same potency and be offered in the same form as their brand-name counterparts. Brand-name drugs usually cost more than generic because the manufacturer of the brand-name drug had to adjust the cost of the drug in order to recover research and development expenses.

What happens if a member’s current medication is not covered on the formulary?

Members may perceive the use of a formulary to be a restriction or decrease in benefits, in that some medications they currently use are not covered. Members should be made aware that: (a)medicines excluded from the formulary may be excluded because they may be less effective; (b) may cause more side effects; (c) or may cost more without having any clinical advantage. For each drug that is excluded from the formulary there is an alternative that is at least as effective.

Are doctors and pharmacists aware of which medications are on the formulary?

Yes. Each health plan company communicates its formulary to its network doctors and pharmacies. Members are also encouraged to be proactive and remind their doctor that their health plan company has a formulary so they can prescribe a medication that is covered. Each health plan's formulary is also online and can be accessed through our Carrier Links in the left column.

What is step therapy/prior authorization?

CIGNA has a step therapy program that encourages the use of generic and low-cost brand medications. The program impacts only medications used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stomach acid conditions. Step therapy requires a member to try a “first step” medication, generally a generic drug, before moving to a higher cost drug. A physician may request prior authorization for second or third step medication, if medically necessary. You can view details on CIGNA's step therapy program here. ConnectiCare, Health Net, and Oxford have a prior authorization requirement for certain medications. Use the following links to view the medication lists.