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March 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Care Network no longer cover EpiPen® brand drugs, starting March 1

To provide the best value for our members, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network commercial plans no longer cover EpiPen® 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr® 0.15 mg auto-injector drugs, effective March 1, 2017.

EpiPen injectors are used to treat allergic reactions.

Blue Cross and BCN will provide coverage for the authorized generic epinephrine auto-injectors. These generics are considered brand products and are available to the member at the preferred brand copay amount.

Both the epinephrine auto-injectors and the EpiPen products are manufactured by Mylan and have the same drug formulation and device functionality. Prescriptions written for EpiPen and EpiPen Jr are interchangeable with the ephinephrine auto-injector products when filled at the pharmacy.

Note: These changes don’t apply to MESSA groups.

Here’s a look at the alternatives for excluded drugs and the average cost:

Drugs not covered, beginning March 1, 2017

Covered alternatives

Epipen® (epinephrine injection, 0.3 mg)
2-Pak

$730**

Epinephrine 0.3 mg auto injector 2-Pak

$375**

Epipen Jr® (epinephrine injection, 0.15 mg) 2-Pak

$730**

Epinephrine 0.15 mg auto injector 2- Pak

$375**

**Approximate cost per package, based on the average wholesale price

If you’ve been prescribing EpiPen or EpiPen Jr, discuss the covered alternatives with your patients.

No portion of this publication may be copied without the express written permission of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, except that BCBSM participating health care providers may make copies for their personal use. In no event may any portion of this publication be copied or reprinted and used for commercial purposes by any party other than BCBSM.

*CPT codes, descriptions and two-digit numeric modifiers only are copyright 2016 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and
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