Specialty Drugs

Specialty Drugs 

Specialty drugs are used to treat complex or chronic conditions. This includes cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and hepatitis, among others. Some specialty drugs can either be taken by mouth or injected by the patient themselves, or they may be given or administered in a doctor’s office. Benefits may require certain specialty drugs be administered or given in a specific site of service. Specialty drugs may need special handling and refrigeration. Taking them sometimes requires careful monitoring.

Most BlueChoice HealthPlan members are required to use our preferred specialty pharmacy, Optum Specialty Pharmacy, to have coverage for their specialty drugs. Optum Specialty Pharmacy is a specialty pharmacy service provided by OptumRx, an independent company that provides pharmacy benefit management services on behalf of BlueChoice^®. To contact Optum Specialty Pharmacy, call 877-259-9428. Optum Specialty Pharmacy doesn't have to fill specialty drugs administered in a doctor's office. 

Specialty Medical Benefit Drug Coverage

Some members are subject to separate management programs for specialty drugs that are covered under their medical benefits.

• Medical Specialty Drugs: Some medical (injectable or infusible) specialty drugs require prior authorization. In addition, some infused specialty medications must be administered at home or at an infusion suite. Learn how the Specialty Medical Drug program works and which drugs are included.
• Self-Administered Drugs: Certain self-administered specialty drugs are only covered under the pharmacy benefit. Learn how the Self-Administered Drug program works and which drugs are included.

Not sure how your health plan covers specialty drugs? Check your benefits booklet. Or talk with your employer’s benefits department. You can also log in to My Health Toolkit^®. There you’ll find personal information about your prescription drug coverage.