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TO:     Pharmacies, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Oral Surgeons, Optometrists, Dentists, FQHCs, RHCs, Mental Health Service Providers and Nursing Homes

RE:      Preferred Drug List (PDL) and Pharmacy Quarterly Update

    Effective January 1, 2023, the Alabama Medicaid Agency will:

1.   Require Pradaxa to be billed with a Dispense as Written (DAW) Code of 9. DAW Code of 9 indicates the following: Substitution Allowed by Prescriber but Plan Requests Brand. This value is used when the prescriber has indicated, in a manner specified by prevailing law, that generic substitution is permitted, but the Plan requests the brand product to be dispensed.

2.   Require Prior Authorization (PA) for Dabigatran (generic Pradaxa). Brand Pradaxa will remain as preferred. 

3.    Update the PDL to reflect the quarterly updates listed below: 

                      *This agent will be preferred with clinical criteria in place.

      For additional PDL and coverage information, visit our drug look-up site at https://www.medicaid.alabamaservices.org/ALPortal/NDC%20Look%20Up/tabId/39/Default.aspx.

      The Prior Authorization (PA) request form and criteria booklet should be utilized by the prescriber or the dispensing pharmacy when requesting a PA. The PA request form can be completed and submitted electronically at https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/9.0_Resources/9.4_Forms_Library/9.4.13_Pharmacy_Forms.aspx.

Providers requesting PAs by mail or fax should send requests to:

Kepro

Medicaid Pharmacy Administrative Services

P.O. Box 3570, Auburn, AL 36831

Fax: 1-800-748-0116

Phone: 1-800-748-0130

      Incomplete PA requests or those failing to meet Medicaid criteria will be denied. If the prescriber believes medical justification should be considered, the prescriber must document this on the form or submit a written letter of medical justification along with the PA form to Kepro. Additional information may be requested. Staff physicians will review this information.

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes descriptors, and other data are copyright © 2022 American Medical Association and © 2022 American Dental Association (or such other date publication of CPT and CDT). All rights reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS apply.