MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
BT202075: IHCP COVID-19 Response: Certain respiratory inhalers resume pre-COVID-19 requirements
Indiana Medicaid (IHCP)·IN · Pulmonology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine +2 more·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Aug 1, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
IHCP (Indiana Medicaid) is resuming pre-COVID-19 preferred status requirements for controller inhalers (glucocorticoid and combination long-acting beta agonist/glucocorticoid MDIs) effective August 1, 2020, requiring members to try preferred MDIs before receiving nonpreferred ones. Rescue inhalers (short-acting beta agonist MDIs) will continue to have suspended preference status.
Action Required
By August 1, 2020: Update prior authorization protocols to require initial trial of preferred controller inhalers (glucocorticoid and combination long-acting beta agonist/glucocorticoid MDIs) before dispensing nonpreferred controller inhalers for new therapy patients. By November 1, 2020: Apply same requirements to existing patients currently on nonpreferred controller inhalers. Contact OptumRx Clinical Help Desk at 1-855-577-6317 for FFS questions or appropriate MCE for managed care questions.