Prescription drug transition process
What to do if your drugs aren't on the drug list (formulary) or are restricted in some way
Sometimes, you may take a prescription drug that isn't on your plan's drug list or it's restricted in some way. Whether you're a new member or a continuing member, there's a way to get help.
Start by talking to your doctor. Your doctor can help decide if there's another drug on the drug list you can switch to. If there isn't a good alternative drug, you, your representative or your doctor can ask for a formulary exception. If the exception is approved, you can keep getting your current drug for a certain period of time.
Review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) to find out exactly what your plan covers. If you’re a continuing member, you’ll get an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC). Review the ANOC carefully to find out if your current drugs will be covered the same way in the upcoming year.
Whether you’re switching drugs or waiting for an exception approval, you may be eligible for a transition supply of your current drug.
- You must get your 1-month supply, as described in EOC, during the first 90 days of membership with the plan as a new member OR within the first 90 days of the calendar year if you are a continuing member and your drug has encountered a negative formulary change.
- You may also be eligible for a one-time, temporary 1-month supply if you qualify for an emergency fill while residing in a long-term care (LTC) facility after the first 90 days as a new member or you have encountered a level of care change.
- If your doctor writes your prescription for fewer days and the prescription has refills, you may refill the drug until you’ve received at least a 1-month supply, as described in your EOC.
When am I eligible?
The table below covers when you may be eligible for temporary transition supplies of prescription drugs. Be sure to read your plan's Evidence of Coverage for details.
To read your Evidence of Coverage online, visit the member website or go to View plans and pricing. For prescription drug plans, see Chapter 7. For Medicare Advantage plans, see Chapter 9.
Para ver el Comprobante de Cobertura y otros materiales de Medicare de medicamentos recetados del plan, ingrese a Ver planes y precios y siga los pasos para ver los planes disponibles.
Transition eligible situations
Temporary transition supply amount
During the first 90 days of your membership in the plan if you are a new member
During the first 90 days of the calendar year if you were in the plan last year and your drug encountered a negative formulary change
At least a 1-month supply, as described in your plan's Evidence of Coverage
For members who have been in the plan for more than 90 days and reside in a long-term care (LTC) facility and need a supply right away
At least a 31-day supply, as described in your plan's Evidence of Coverage
Members who have unplanned transitions such as hospital discharges (including psychiatric hospitals) or level of care changes (i.e., changing long-term care facilities, exiting and entering a long-term care facility, ending Part A coverage within a skilled nursing facility, or ending hospice coverage and reverting to Medicare coverage) at any time during the plan year.
At least a 1-month supply, as described in your plan's Evidence of Coverage
If you're out of medication after receiving a temporary transition supply and you're working with your prescriber to switch to an alternative drug or request an exception, call the number on your member ID card or contact UnitedHealthcare Customer Service.
How do I ask for a formulary exception?
- Your doctor can ask for a formulary exception by using the online tool at https://professionals.optumrx.com. This is recommended for a for a faster response.
- You can call the number on your member ID card or contact UnitedHealthcare Customer Service.
- You can download this form and follow the instructions: Medicare Part D Coverage Determination Request Form (PDF) (387.51 KB)
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Updated 10/1/24