Blue Cross and BCN ending COVID‑19 anti‑stockpiling quantity limits

On April 1, 2021, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will end temporary anti‑stockpiling quantity limits on select medications used to treat COVID‑19 symptoms.

We adopted temporary quantity limits in April 2020 on select medications to prevent unnecessary stockpiling during the COVID‑19 public health crisis and to ensure access for members who need these medications to treat their chronic conditions. This was announced in an April 30, 2020, provider alert.

Quantity limits will return to what they were before the temporary COVID‑19 policy, with the exception of albuterol inhalers. We previously covered four albuterol inhalers per 30 days. Effective April 1, we’ll cover two inhalers per 30 days. This change isn’t related to the COVID‑19 public health crisis. Consult the Temporary quantity limits on some prescription drugs during the COVID‑19 pandemic document for details, including instructions on how to request a quantity limit waiver if you have a patient who needs to exceed the albuterol inhaler limit. Physicians requesting more than two inhalers per month for a patient can follow the usual process for requesting an exception to the quality limits.

For information on changes related to the COVID‑19 pandemic, see the Temporary changes due to the COVID‑19 pandemic document. It’s on our coronavirus webpage, which is available through Provider Secured Services and on our public website at bcbsm.com/coronavirus (click on the Health Care Providers tab).

How to submit quantity limit waiver requests
Physicians can submit quantity limit waiver requests through our standard prior authorization processes.

To request authorization in writing, fax a Medication Request Form — Quantity Limit Request to the Blue Cross Pharmacy Clinical Help Desk at 1‑866‑601‑4425. To find the form:

• Log in to web‑DENIS.
• Click on BCBSM Provider Publications and Resources.
• Click on Commercial Pharmacy Prior Authorization and Step Therapy forms.
• Click on Quantity Limit Request.

If you have any questions, call the Pharmacy Clinical Help Desk at 1‑800‑437‑3803.