QualChoice is amending or implementing new policies. Please see the table below for a list of these policies and their effective dates.
Medical Policy Number
Medical Policy Name
Effective Date of Change
Description of Changes
CP.PCH.32
Dapsone (Aczone Gel)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC, removed Clindagel from Appendix B.
CP.PCH.42
Deutetrabenazine (Austedo, Austedo XR)
1/1/2027
Retired, replaced by CP.CPA.370 and CP.PHAR.341
CP.PHAR.103
Immune Globulins
1/1/2027
Per August SDC, added HIM and ICHRA line of business; updated Appendix G with revised language for Tennessee; for Nebraska HIM line of business, added allowance of bypassing the exclusion of PANDAS in section III per state regulations.
CP.PHAR.341
Deutetrabenazine (Austedo, Austedo XR)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC, added HIM/ICHRA lines of business.
Per August SDC, removed Clindagel from Appendix B.
CP.PMN.295
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: updated redirection to preferred GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies from “failure of three of the following” to “failure of all of the following” for members with concurrent T2DM.
CP.PMN.298
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: updated redirection to preferred GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies from “failure of three of the following” to “failure of all of the following” for members with concurrent T2DM.
Per August SDC: for Focused plans, added statement that Lantus, Toujeo, and unbranded Toujeo do not require prior authorization and added redirection to them as preferred products.
HIM.PA.153
Inhaled asthma and COPD agents
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: for Focused plans, added statement that Asmanex HFA, Asmanex Twisthaler, Tudorza Pressair, and Bevespi Aerosphere do not require prior authorization and added redirection to them as preferred products.
HIM.PA.161
Human Growth Hormone (Somapacitan, Somatrogon, Somatropin, Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC, removed Humatrope as a preferred drug.
Per August SDC, removed ICHRA line of business, for Focused plans, added redirection of Acthar to Purified Cortrophin Gel.
HIM.PA.169
Berotralstat (Orladeyo)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC, added redirection to Haegarda for Focused plans only.
HIM.PA.171
Insulin detemir (Levemir) 08.18.26_SDC
1/1/2027
Retired per August SDC.
HIM.PA.172
Lanadelumab-fylo (Takhzyro)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC, added redirection to Haegarda for Focused plans only.
HIM.PA.173
Palbociclib (Ibrance)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: for breast cancer, removed redirection to Kisqali.
HIM.PA.178
Immune Globulins_08.18.26 SDC
1/1/2027
Retired per August SDC.
HIM.PA.180
Insulin Icodec-abae (Awiqli)
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: for Focused plans, added redirection to Lantus, Toujeo, and unbranded Toujeo.
HIM.PA.58
DPP-4 inhibitors
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: added brand Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR to policy with redirection to generic; added ICHRA line of business.
HIM.PA.71
Topical Acne Treatment
1/1/2027
Per August SDC, removed Clindagel from Appendix B.
HIM.PA.87
Testosterone (Androderm)
1/1/2027
Retired per August SDC.
HIM.PA.91
SGLT2 inhibitors
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: added brand Farxiga and Xigduo XR to criteria with redirection to generic; added ICHRA line of business.
HIM.PA.SP60
Biologic and Non-biologic DMARDs
1/1/2027
Per August SDC: for CD, PsO, PsA, and UC, removed redirection to Stelara as agent is not preferred; removed step through criteria for initiating therapy for Stelara; added redirection to Imuldosa as agent is preferred).
For questions about QualChoice Medical Coverage Policies, please contact your Provider Relations Representative at 800.235.7111 or 501.228.7111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.