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

Voluntary nationwide recall: True Metrix (Trividia – May)

Trividia Health is recalling all True Metrix Blood Glucose Systems for an issue with the software design of the E-5 Error Code and instructions for the user in the “Messages” section of the Owner’s Booklet/System instructions for use and online labeling and help guides.
May 2026Pharmacy Updates

Community Care Behavioral Health is excited to announce this free upcoming web-based training opportunity:

A growing body of U.S. and international research demonstrates that the rapid legalization and commercialization of gambling—including online casinos and mobile sports betting platforms—are associated with significant and escalating gambling related harm. Although Pennsylvania specific prevalence data remain limited, available evidence is increasingly concerning, with gambling disorder linked to alarmingly high rates of suicide, psychiatric comorbidity, and social and financial harm. Drawing on lessons from the tobacco and opioid crises, this presentation will examine how delayed recognition and regulation can amplify population level harm, underscoring the need for earlier screening, prevention, and policy engagement. Participants will gain practical guidance on identifying patients at elevated risk, implementing evidence informed screening and diagnostic strategies, and applying current treatment approaches across the lifespan.
May 2026Education/Webinars

Bridging Smiles and Systems: Collaborative Care for Children with Chronic Conditions

Please join us for a live, CME-accredited and CEU-accredited webinar on May 13 from noon to 1p.m., that will explore the critical connection between oral health and pediatric chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart disease, and ADHD.
Apr. 2026Education/Webinars