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Step Therapy, Quantity Limit, and maintenance drugs

Man in wheelchair with Doctor and Nurse


Step Therapy (ST) Program

Selected formulary drugs require step therapy (ST). This means that a Member must try an alternative clinically equivalent formulary drug(s) first. VHP P&T Committee selects all drugs required for step therapy. There may be a situation where it may be medically necessary for a Member to receive certain medications without first trying an alternative drug. In these instances, your Provider may request a Prescription Drug Prior Authorization or Step Therapy Request form by contacting Navitus Customer Service. The list of formulary drugs with step therapy can be changed by Valley Health Plan’s P&T Committee. An updated list of the formulary drugs with step therapy is available below. 

Quality Limitation (QL) Program

Because of potential safety and utilization concerns, VHP has placed quantity limitations on some prescription drugs. Members are covered for up to the amount posted in the VHP Drug Formulary based on recognized standards of care and FDA-approved dosing guidelines. If a prescriber believes it is necessary to prescribe more than the QL amount posted on the list, he or she must submit a Prescription Drug Prior Authorization or Step Therapy Request form to VHP’s PBM. A list of covered drugs with QL is available at www.valleyhealthplan.org or by calling VHP Member Services at (888) 421-8444 (toll-free). 

Maintenance drug

A maintenance drug is prescribed for a serious chronic illness or condition. The pharmacy can dispense up to a 90-day supply for formulary drugs that are listed on the Maintenance Drug List. For members starting a new brand maintenance drug, for the first fill the member can get a 30 day supply. For additional refills, the member can get up to a 90 day supply. You can find the list at www.valleyhealthplan.org or by calling VHP Member Services at (888) 421-8444 (toll-free).