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November 2021

Ivermectin prescriptions require prior authorization for Blue Cross, BCN commercial members

Starting Oct. 1, 2021, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network began temporarily requiring prior authorization for prescriptions of Stromectol®, or ivermectin, for members with commercial coverage. This new rule is effective until further notice.

Prior authorization will be granted for indications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The quantity of ivermectin tablets dispensed will be limited to 20 tablets per year for commercial members with plans that include quantity limits. The quantity limit is applied over 365 days, not a calendar year.

Blue Cross and BCN are adding these requirements to discourage unauthorized use of this medication, such as for treatment of COVID-19. For more information, view the CDC Health Advisory.**

Prescriptions for members with Medicare Plus Blue℠ and BCN Advantage℠ coverage aren’t affected.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network don’t own or control this website.

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 copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.