In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to ensure that Medicaid members have access to the medications they need, the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) has implemented the following changes to its prescription drug benefits programs, effective Friday, March 30.
The mandatory 90-day supply requirement for select medications was suspended to allow pharmacies to better manage their inventory and help avoid drug shortages on March 18. DVHA will monitor claims using the override code to ensure it is used only when medically necessary. Improper use will subject the claim to recoupment.
Signature requirements are being waived for receipt or delivery of prescriptions. In alignment with other payers in Vermont, pharmacists are no longer required to obtain a signature for prescription receipt or delivery. Pharmacists may write “Covid-19” or similar language on a prescription as an equivalent to receiving a patient signature.
All Albuterol HFA formulations are now available without prior authorization. To address reported shortages, we have removed the requirement of a prior authorization for all formulations of Albuterol HFA. DVHA is encouraging pharmacies to carefully assess the number of inhalers a patient needs to prevent stockpiling and further shortages.
Area pharmacies that are providing delivery services to members and have let DVHA know about their operating plans are included in a chart below. Please contact DVHA if your pharmacy offers a free delivery service so we can provide this information to members. To add your pharmacy to the list or make a correction, please contact the Pharmacy Team at ahs.dvhaph@vermont.gov.
For more information call the Healthcare Pharmacy Help Desk at 1-844-679-5362 or visit dvha.vermont.gov/providers/pharmacy under “Covid-19 information” for a current list.
