March 25, 2020 | COVID-19 Update
As a precaution with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) intends to take measures to minimize public exposure. A few pharmacy edits will be revised to encourage recipients to get all necessary maintenance medications during one pharmacy visit.
On March 17, 2020, members were able to start receiving early refills and up to a 90-day supply, as appropriate, of maintenance medications that are not controlled substances. These include cardiovascular drugs (hypertension, coronary artery disease, thrombosis), diabetes drugs, respiratory drugs (inhaled and oral), contraceptives, antiretrovirals, direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C, immunosuppressives, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, among others.
On March 24, 2020, existing approved prior authorizations on prescribed drugs and physician-administered drugs (drugs included as a medical benefit) will be extended through June 30, 2020, with no action needed by the prescriber. This will not affect the number of refills originally authorized by the prescriber. Member copays for prescribed drugs are waived, effective March 24, 2020.
To reduce exposure, providers should consider encouraging members to use pharmacies that offer free home delivery services or drive-through pickup services. To reduce contact, member signatures are no longer required.