The insurer will instead cover Xtampza ER — an alternative opioid made from oxycodone that isn’t crushable for injection or snorting — to reduce the potential of abuse.
“Most physicians, most plans have had a hands-off approach for a number of years, and we see where we are now,” Scott McClelland, vice president of commercial and specialty pharmacy at Florida Blue, told the Miami Herald. “We think it’s time for more people, including physicians in our community, the nurses, even the families to take a more proactive approach in trying to manage this [opioid] epidemic.”
Under the new policy, the insurer will stop covering OxyCotin for all group and individual health insurance beneficiaries, except for Medicare Advantage members.
Even with the coverage change, Florida Blue will still stick to the policy it implemented in 2015, which requires authorization for all oxycodone prescriptions of more than seven days.
More articles on payer issues:
Molina Healthcare posts $97M net loss as restructuring efforts continue
UnitedHealthcare to lay off 381 in Phoenix
Kentucky health system to shut down insurance arm, lay off 34 employees
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
