March 7, 2019
Premera added a new enhancement to its electronic pharmacy prior authorization (ePA) option that allows providers to submit prior authorization (PA) renewal requests for prescription drugs only online and before the PA expires. You’ll receive a notice from Premera about upcoming expiring PAs for prescriptions with instructions on how to submit these renewal requests electronically via CoverMyMeds starting March 1, 2019.
How does ePA work? Why should I use it?
- Early notification: You’ll receive a secure fax from Premera approximately two weeks before a patient’s PA for medication is set to expire. Early notification ensures there isn’t a gap in available medication for patients and helps eliminate last-minute, urgent phone calls for PA renewals. Premera will start sending notifications for prescription drug PAs that expire the first week of March 2019.
- Faster submission: The secure fax notice directs you to the CoverMyMeds online submission platform where you can submit the PA request online using the patient’s name, date of birth, and key provided from Premera. You avoid a phone call and/or fax to Premera.
- Faster determination: ePA is Premera’s preferred way to review PA requests and the fastest way to receive a determination on your request.
- More transparency: When you submit renewal requests via ePA, you’re able to review the drug criteria upfront and answer questions based on the specific criteria. Some drugs have an auto-approval option; based on your answers to the criteria questions you may receive an immediate approval of the PA.
For more information or questions about our new ePA option, visit the CoverMyMeds website.