October 2025 UPMC for You and UPMC Community HealthChoices formulary update

Oct. 2025Pharmacy Updates

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, Xifaxan and Retin-A (cream, gel) will no longer be covered by UPMC for You and UPMC Community HealthChoices due to nonparticipation in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.

There are covered alternatives that may be an option for your patients, depending on their health needs.

Tretinoin cream is a covered alternative for Retin-A (cream, gel).

Covered alternatives for Xifaxan include loperamide capsule, dicyclomine (10 mg capsule, 20 mg tablet), lactulose solution, and azithromycin. Coverage is available for Xifaxan 200 mg tablet for a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy only and a prior authorization is required. The dose and duration of therapy for Xifaxan 200 mg tablet must be consistent with nationally recognized compendia or peer-reviewed literature.

Xifaxan coverage update

Coverage of Xifaxan tablet, including both the 200 mg and 550 mg strengths, is no longer available under UPMC for You and UPMC Community HealthChoices.

The manufacturer of Xifaxan may provide the drug to Medicaid patients at no cost through its patient assistance program. The program application is available by phone at 1-833-862-8727 or online at bauschhealthpap.com.

Recent Announcements

February 2026 UPMC for You and UPMC Community HealthChoices formulary update

Pulmicort Flexhaler has a new distributor, Rubicon Holding. National Drug Codes (NDCs) for Pulmicort Flexhaler from Rubicon Holding are not included in the Medicaid Drug Rebate program and are not covered under the Medicaid Prescription Drug Program. Pulmicort Flexhaler NDCs from the previous manufacturer, H2 Pharma, have been discontinued but may be billed/dispensed until supplies are exhausted.
Feb. 2026Pharmacy Updates

CME Webinar: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s ‘Talk Saves Lives’ Program

Please join us on Tuesday, April 28, from noon to 1 p.m. for “Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention.” This live, CME-accredited webinar is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s flagship suicide prevention education program. It covers the scope of this leading cause of death, warning signs and risk factors for suicide, and strategies to prevent it.
Feb. 2026Education/Webinars

Training Webinar: Conversio Health COPD Management Program

Please join us for a live training webinar by UPMC Health Plan that will provide an overview of a comprehensive COPD management program from Conversio Health.
Jan. 2026Education/Webinars