Blue Review - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Self-administered specialty drug update (hemophilia, Hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis)

In last month’s Blue Review, we included a reminder that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) members are required to use their pharmacy benefit for U.S. FDA-approved self-administered drugs (oral, topical and injectable) and obtain these medications through a pharmacy provider. Self-administered drugs should not be submitted on professional/ancillary electronic (ANSI 837P) or paper (CMS-1500) claims.

Effective July 1, 2013, the following message will be returned on the electronic payment summary or provider claim summary to providers billing for self-administered drugs for hemophilia, hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis; “Self-administered drugs submitted by a medical professional provider are not within the member's medical benefits. These charges must be billed and submitted by a pharmacy provider.”

To help you determine the correct path for medication fulfillment and ensure that the correct benefit is applied, please refer to the Specialty Pharmacy Program Drug List in the Pharmacy Program/Specialty Drug Programs section of the BCBSTX provider website, bcbstx.com/provider.

Note: In accordance with their benefits, members may be required to use a preferred specialty pharmacy. Please call the number on the member’s ID card to verify coverage or further assistance or clarification on the member’s benefits. For member’s whose benefits require them to use Prime Therapeutics Specialty Pharmacy, you may fax the prescription to 877-828-3939 or call 877-627-MEDS (877-627-6337) for additional information. Medication(s) can be delivered to any requested location (e.g., member’s home or physician’s office).

Pharmacy benefits and limits are subject to the terms set forth in the member’s certificate of coverage which may vary from the limits set forth above. The listing of any particular drug or classification of drugs is not a guarantee of benefits. Members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions.

Prime Therapeutics Specialty Pharmacy LLC (Prime Specialty Pharmacy) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Prime Therapeutics LLC, a pharmacy benefit management company. Prime Therapeutics LLC is a partially-owned subsidiary of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSTX is a Division of HCSC, which contracts with Prime Therapeutics LLC to provide pharmacy benefit management, prescription home delivery and specialty pharmacy services.

 



BCBSTX makes no endorsements, representations, or warranties about any products or services offered by
independent third-party vendors mentioned in this newsletter. The vendors are solely responsible for the products or
services offered by them. If you have any questions about the products or services mentioned in this newsletter,
contact the vendor directly.


A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,
an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Blue Review • Issue 4, 2013 • www.bcbstx.com