This program helps members obtain specialty medications. These specialty medications may treat patients’ complex medical conditions, including but not limited to, immune deficiency, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Due to unique safety, storage and shipment requirements, some specialty medications may not be readily available at local pharmacies.
Specialty medication coverage is based on the member's benefit. Prior Authorization or Predetermination approval may still apply to specific specialty medications. In accordance with their benefits, some members may be subject to a split fill program. For more information about medical criteria, please refer to the Medical Policies.
Note: Depending upon administration (physician-administered or self-administered), the member’s plan will determine which benefit (medical coverage or pharmacy coverage) will cover the medication. Please call the number on the member’s ID card to verify coverage, or for further assistance or clarification on your patient’s benefits.
Self-Administered Specialty Medications
Specialty medications that are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for self-administration are typically covered under the member’s pharmacy benefit. Call the number on the member’s ID card for more information about your patient’s benefits.
Physician-Administered Specialty Medications
Specialty medications for physician administration to BCBSOK members may be available through specialty pharmacies. These specialty medications are typically covered under the member’s medical benefit. Call the number on the member’s ID card for more information about your patient’s benefits.
By obtaining a specialty medication from a specialty pharmacy*, providers may benefit from:
- Integrated coordination of coverage between the member, provider and BCBSOK
- No up-front acquisition cost to providers for office-administered specialty medications
- Convenient delivery of medication to location of choice (i.e., provider’s office, site of practice, home infusion)
- Injection supplies with every shipment, including alcohol swabs, needles and syringes (if applicable)
- Automatic coordination of refills
- Patient education materials and therapy starter kits from drug manufacturers
- 24-hour hotline staffed by nurses and/or pharmacists to call with medication and injection questions
- Compliance with nationally recognized guidelines and standards
Providers should only bill for the administration of the specialty medication(s) when received from a specialty pharmacy. Providers may not bill for the specialty medication.
*The relationship between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and the specialty pharmacies is that of independent contractors.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) contracts with Prime Therapeutics, a separate company, to provide pharmacy benefit management and other related services. BCBSOK, as well as several independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, has an ownership interest in Prime.
The listing of any particular drug or classification of drugs is not a guarantee of benefits. The information mentioned here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician. Members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any medication is between the member and their health care provider.