As of July 1, 2017, Independence placed a five-day supply limit on all
low-dose opioids. Members who, at that time, already had a prescription for
greater than a five-day supply of low-dose opioids were temporarily exempted
from this limit.
As a reminder, beginning March 1, 2019, all members, including those
previously exempt, will require a prior authorization when continuing
low-dose opioid therapy beyond five days, if they have not already received
prior authorization approval from Independence. Providers will receive a letter
with a list of their Independence patients who are affected by this change.
For more details regarding opioid and non-opioid therapy options, please
refer to the CDC's Checklist for prescribing opioids for chronic
pain.
If you have any questions concerning the prior authorization process, please
contact FutureScripts®, our pharmacy benefits manager, at 1-8
88-678-7012.
FutureScripts is an independent
company that provides pharmacy benefits management services.