Prior Authorization (PA) 2024

There are three reasons for the use of prior authorization: scope controls, utilization controls and product based controls. This section includes the list of medications requiring Prior Authorization (PA). PA forms can be found in the Pharmacy Forms section. Incomplete forms will result in either a delay or denial. Please ensure all forms are submitted with all the necessary information to efficiently process the request for the member.

Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) administers two types of PA programs:

Scope controls refer to constraints used to insure a drug is used for approved indications and is therapeutically appropriate. Utilization controls are used to limit the quantity of medication dispensed or to limit the duration of use.

The Drug Utilization and Review (DUR)Board recommends clinical criteria for medications that require a PA.

Product Based Prior Authorization (PBPA)

This program divides certain therapeutic categories of drugs into two or more levels called Tiers. Tier 1 medications are preferred as the first step for treating a member’s health condition. They are cost effective and are usually available without PA. Members that do not achieve a clinical success with Tier 1 medications may qualify to obtain a Tier 2 or Tier 3 medication. Most of these categories are set up so that if a member meets the step therapy criteria, their claim for the next highest tier will process without a PA. Alternately, a PA may be required so that OHCA will have documentation of the step therapy and/or other clinical information necessary to approve the use of a Tier 2 or higher medication.

Providers may request a step therapy exception to skip the step therapy process and receive the Tier 2 or higher drug immediately. An exception can be requested following a denial of a prior authorization or can be submitted at the onset of the request. Criteria for a step therapy exception can be found in OHCA rules 317:30-5-77.4. Step therapy exception requests must be submitted on form PHARM – 136. Please see each therapeutic category for specific clinical criteria required to bypass the step therapy protocol.