Progesterone in oil, a standard injectable medication, is currently covered for our members under their pharmacy benefit. Effective January 1, 2012, progesterone in oil will no longer be covered under the pharmacy benefit and will only be covered under the medical benefit. This change is being made because this medication is not considered a self-injectable and therefore should not be covered under the pharmacy benefit.

Our Pharmacy Services department will work with providers who have prescribed this injectable to a member to obtain a new prescription and start the member in the Direct Ship Injectables Program. This voluntary program is available for your patients who have their medical benefits through an IBC managed care program. It facilitates the shipment of injectable medications like progesterone in oil to your office or the member?s home (members may continue to self-administer at your discretion). Providers may also opt to supply the drug and bill the plan directly.

For more information about the direct ship option, go to www.ibx.com/directship. Please call Customer Service at 1-800-ASK-BLUE if you have any questions about
this change.