Persius/hicric huggingface dataset:
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Lidocaine 4 percent patch. The case was auto-forwarded by the plan.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.Drugs prescribed that are available Over the Counter are excluded from coverage under Medicare Part D. Therefore, the requested drug is excluded from coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Pregnyl 10000 unit vial prescribed for an unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan auto-forwarded the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.The submitted documentation shows the enrollee filled a prescription for the requested drug at a network pharmacy. The plans Evidence of Coverage states, if the enrollee pays the full cost of a prescription, then they may submit a request for reimbursement with proof of payment to ask the plan to pay its share of the cost. In this case, proof of payment in the form of a receipt showing the amount that was paid for the drug was not provided. Therefore, the reimbursement criteria have not been met.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Nexletol 180 milligram tablet to treat mixed hyperlipidemia. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.We requested additional information from the prescriber. Specifically, we requested medical records and a prescriber statement to support all formulary alternatives were tried and failed or were contraindicated. We received additional documentation and included it in the review.The requested drug is not on the plans formulary. In order to grant an exception for a drug not on the plans formulary, alternative formulary drugs must have been tried, failed, or deemed contraindicated. In this case, the documentation does not support why the formulary alternatives, required by the plan would likely not be as effective for this diagnosis, and/or would likely cause adverse reaction(s) or other harm.A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Tretinoin 0.025% gel to treat basal cell carcinoma. The Part D plan denied the request.  We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The use of the requested drug to treat the provided diagnosis is an off-label use. The Medicare approved compendia do not contain any citations to support the use of the requested drug, as prescribed, for the treatment of this diagnosis. Therefore, the requested drug(s) is not eligible for coverage under Medicare Part D. A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Fenofibric Acid delayed release 135 milligram capsule to treat hyperlipidemia. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.The requested drug is not on the plans formulary. In order to grant an exception for a drug not on the plans formulary, alternative formulary drugs must have been tried, failed, or deemed contraindicated. In this case, the documentation does not support why the formulary alternatives, required by the plan would likely not be as effective for this diagnosis, and/or would likely cause adverse reaction(s) or other harm.A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is a tiering exception request for Symbicort 160 microgram/4.5 microgram per actuation aerosol to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. Symbicort 160 microgram/4.5 microgram per actuation aerosol is a brand drug on Tier 3 of the plans formulary. There are no brand drugs of the same type on the lower tiers of the plans formulary to treat the same diagnosis. Therefore, this drug is not eligible for a tiering exception. A physician reviewer determined that the tiering exception criteria are not met.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Contrave extended release 12 hour 8 milligram/90 milligram oral tablet to treat obesity. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. Drugs prescribed to treat weight gain (promote weight loss) are excluded from coverage under Medicare Part D. Therefore, the requested drug is excluded from coverage. A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Ozempic 2 milligram/1.5 milliliter pen injector as prevention treatment for prediabetes/diabetes. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.The use of the requested drug to treat the provided diagnosis is an off-label use. The Medicare approved compendia do not contain any citations to support the use of the requested drug, as prescribed, for the treatment of this diagnosis. Therefore, the requested drug(s) is not eligible for coverage under Medicare Part D.A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Altace 10 milligram capsule to treat hypertension. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.The requested drug is not on the plans 2023 formulary. In order to grant an exception for a drug not on the plans 2023 formulary, alternative formulary drugs must have been tried, failed, or deemed contraindicated. In this case, the documentation does not support why the 2023 formulary alternatives, required by the plan would likely not be as effective for this diagnosis, and/or would likely cause adverse reaction(s) or other harm.A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Renagel 800 milligram tablet prescribed for unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay and coinsurance that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Amiodarone 400 milligram prescribed for unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Diltiazem extended release 120 milligram capsule prescribed for an unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Hydralazine 25 milligram tablet prescribed for unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Omeprazole 20 milligram capsule prescribed for an unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Oxycodone/Acetaminophen 5/325 milligram tablet prescribed for an unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Xarelto 20 milligram tablet prescribed for an unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Zostavax prescribed for unspecified diagnosis. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The submitted documentation shows the plan reprocessed claims for the requested drug and adjusted the amount owed due to rework to fill gaps in the enrollees true out of pocket accumulation. Medicare rules allow a Part D plan to apply deductible, coinsurance, and copayments to covered drugs. We reviewed the plans formulary and Evidence of Coverage. In this case, there is evidence to support that the plan issued a recovery notice within 45 days of the plans receipt of complete information regarding the claims adjustment. Therefore, the enrollee is responsible for their share of any copay that was not applied at the point of sale.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is a tiering exception request for Boostrix Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine 18.5 microgram/2.5 Lf U (limit of flocculation unit)/5 Lf U per 0.5 milliliter suspension prefilled syringe prescribed for protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.Boostrix Tdap Vaccine is a biologic drug on Tier 3 of the plans formulary. There are no biologics of the same type to treat the noted condition on the lower tiers of the plans formulary. If there are no biologics of the same type on a lower tier, the biologic drug is not eligible for a tiering exception. As such, the enrollee paid the correct copay for the drug and further reimbursement for the drug already purchased is not covered.A physician reviewer determined that tiering exception criteria have not been met.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

You requested Zoryve 0.3 percent cream. The Part D plan denied the request as an excluded drug in the Medicare Part D program.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we read your case file carefully. We reviewed all documentation submitted. This includes the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. According to Medicare rules, Part D drug plans do not cover drugs produced by a manufacturer who does not participate in the Medicare Gap Discount Program. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes a list of participating brand name drug manufacturers that have signed the Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Agreement. This manufacturer is not participating in the program; therefore, the drug is excluded from Part D coverage. As such, we determined that the plan is not required to cover the Zoryve 0.3 percent cream. The decision does not address medical necessity of the drug. It only indicates that payment cannot be made under the Medicare Part D benefit.Additionally, please note that the plans Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) also does not cover Zoryve 0.3 percent cream.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Tadalafil 20 milligram tablet, 10 tablets per 30 days, to treat male erectile dysfunction. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. Sexual/erectile dysfunction drugs prescribed to treat sexual/erectile dysfunction or other diagnoses for which the drug is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, are excluded from coverage under Medicare Part D. Therefore, the requested drug is excluded from coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Somatuline Depot 120 milligram per 0.5 milliliter per 0.5 milliliter solution to treat gastrointestinal bleeding in an enrollee with a left ventricular assist device. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.The use of the requested drug to treat the provided diagnosis is an off-label use. The Medicare approved compendia do not contain any citations to support the use of the requested drug, as prescribed, for the treatment of this diagnosis. Therefore, the requested drug(s) is not eligible for coverage under Medicare Part D.A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: At-Risk Determination
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Nucynta extended release 50 milligram tablet, 60 tablets per 30 days. A reconsideration request was auto-forwarded from the plan to review an at-risk determination. The plan imposed a restriction of 90 Morphine Milligram Equivalent dosage.  We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. The record shows the enrollee was determined to be at risk for opioid misuse because of an average daily Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) dosage over a 6 month period exceeding the plan limits. Also noted is that the enrollee is receiving opioid prescription medication from multiple providers and different pharmacies. The plan attempted to contact the providers to obtain an assertion that the drugs were medically necessary. The plan was unable to contact all of the prescribers. Therefore, the plan's restriction of 90 morphine milligram equivalent per day is upheld. A physician reviewed the appeal and determined the plans restriction is appropriate as there is a risk of obtaining an unsafe quantity of frequently abused drugs (i.e., opioids and benzodiazepines) when receiving prescriptions from multiple prescribers. In conclusion, the decision of the QIC is unfavorable.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Favorable

At issue is Oxycodone Hydrochloride immediate release 30 milligram tablets to treat long term (current) use of opiate analgesic (Z79.891), chronic pain due to trauma (G89.21), and fusion of spine, cervical region (M43.22) with a total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per day of 390. The case was auto-forwarded by the Part D plan with a request to approve the drug and MME exception request for plan year 2023.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.The plan limits the total amount of MMEs per day to 270. The prescriber has provided patient specific clinical rationale indicating that the number of MMEs of the requested drug in addition to the additional opioids the member is taking daily would be ineffective and cause harm with a sudden reduction. Therefore, an exception to the plans coverage criteria is supported. The Oxycodone Hydrochloride immediate release 30 milligram tablets and MME exception are approved for plan year 2023.A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is Aimovig 140 milligram per milliliter auto-injector to treat chronic migraine without aura, intractable, without status migrainosus. The Part D plan denied the request.We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level.The plan has prior authorization requirements for this drug. These requirements must be met before coverage can be extended. The submitted documentation does not satisfy the plans coverage criteria.A physician reviewed the appeal and determined that the requested drug is not eligible for Part D coverage.
Appeal type: Prescription Drug
Decision: Unfavorable

At issue is a tiering exception request for Alphagan P 0.1 percent drops to treat primary open angle glaucoma. The Part D plan denied the request. We received the case to perform an independent and de novo review. To make our decision, we reviewed all documentation submitted, including the case file from the plan, and any information submitted at the reconsideration level. Alphagan P is a brand drug on Tier 3 of the plans formulary. There are no brand drugs of the same type on the lower tiers of the plans formulary to treat the same diagnosis. Therefore, this drug is not eligible for a tiering exception. A physician reviewer determined that the tiering exception criteria are not met.