Drug Formulary

The comprehensive formulary is a list of all drugs covered under your CareSource Medicare Advantage plan. The formulary consists of more than 3,000 medications. Additionally, CareSource provides monthly formulary updates to keep information current.

For information about changes to our formulary, please review the Notice of Formulary Changes below. For the most up-to-date formulary information, use our online Find My Prescriptions tool.

Visit the Plan Documents page to view important documents about prescription drug benefits.

Formulary Changes

We feel it is important that you have continued access to the formulary drugs that were available when you chose our plan for the remainder of the coverage year, except for cases in which you can save additional money or we can ensure your safety.

Generally, if you are taking a drug on our formulary that was covered at the beginning of the year, we will not discontinue or reduce coverage of the drug during the coverage year except when a new, less expensive generic drug becomes available or when new adverse information about the safety or effectiveness of a drug is released. If these changes occur, no prior notification will be provided before the change is made. 

Other types of formulary changes, such as removing a drug from our formulary, will not affect members who are currently taking the drug. It will remain available at the same cost-sharing for those members taking it for the remainder of the coverage year. 

If the following changes are made to our formulary, we will notify affected members at least 30 days before the change becomes effective, or at the time the member requests a refill of the drug, at which time the member will receive a 30-day supply of the drug:

  • If a drug is removed from our formulary
  • If prior authorization, quantity limits and/or step therapy restrictions are added for a drug
  • If a drug is moved to a higher cost-sharing tier

If the FDA deems a drug on our formulary to be unsafe or the drug’s manufacturer removes the drug from the market, we will immediately remove the drug from our formulary and provide notice to members who take the drug.

Review our  Navigate Notice of Formulary Changes (Updated 12/01/2022) for information about updates that have been made to our plan’s formulary.

Why Choose Generics?

The CareSource formulary includes both brand-name drugs and generic drugs. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs and are rated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be as safe and effective as brand-name drugs.

You will notice the formulary offers generic substitutions for brand-name drugs when possible. By choosing generics, you will still get effective, safe treatment and you may save money.

Coverage Requirements

For certain prescription drugs, we have additional requirements for coverage or limits on our coverage. This ensures our members use these drugs in a safe way. The types of additional requirements are listed below:

  • Navigate Prior Authorization Criteria – For certain drugs, your doctor will need to contact us before you can fill your prescription.
  • Navigate Step Therapy Criteria – For certain drugs, we require you to first try another drug to treat your medical condition before we will cover the drug your physician initially prescribed.

What Are My Options

Can I receive coverage for drugs not on the formulary?

Yes, if you believe you are entitled to payment or benefits on a certain drug, you can request a coverage determination. A coverage determination is a decision made by CareSource regarding payment for a Part D drug or exceptions to our formulary. If your coverage determination is denied, you can appeal the decision by asking for a redetermination of the original request.

Full details on coverage determinations and appeals can be found in the Evidence of Coverage (Chapter 9, section 6). Find this and other documents on our Plan Documents page. For more information about exceptions, appeals and complaints review your Part D Prescription Drug Plan Rights.

What if I am taking a drug not on the formulary? 

CareSource Medicare Advantage plans have a comprehensive drug formulary that consists of more than 3,000 medications. However, if you are taking a drug that is not listed on our formulary we feature a drug transition policy. Learn more by visiting our Drug Transition Policy webpage.

What if I need help managing my medications?

A Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program is a service we offer at no cost. This program is not a benefit. The program is designed to help you learn about your Part D medications, prevent or address medication-related problems, decrease costs and stick to your treatment plan. Learn more about MTM.

Mail Order

You can get many of your Medicare Part D drugs sent to your home through mail. There is no charge for shipping if you use regular delivery. Find out more about using mail order for your prescription drugs.

You must use an in-network provider except in emergency or urgent care situations. If you obtain routine care from out-of-network-providers, neither Medicare nor CareSource will be responsible for the costs, unless specifically authorized by CareSource. You must use in-network pharmacies to access your prescription drug benefit, except under non-routine circumstances when you cannot reasonably use an in-network pharmacy. 

CareSource is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CareSource Advantage® Zero Premium (HMO), CareSource Advantage® (HMO) and CareSource Advantage Plus® (HMO) depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.