In a continued effort to help battle the opioid epidemic, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is updating its opioid management strategy.

Beginning January 1, 2019, the following changes to Blue Cross' Opioid Management Strategy for commercial members will be implemented:

• Roxybond, the new instant release oxycodone formulation that is considered abuse deterrent by the FDA, will be covered.
• Lucemyra (lofexidine), the first non-opioid approved drug to treat the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, will be covered.
• OxyContin, and its generic (oxycodone ER), will no longer be covered. Xtampza ER (oxycodone ER) will be available to all members at a non-preferred brand cost share.
• Letters have been mailed to members receiving OxyContin or oxycodone ER notifying them of the change and recommending that they follow up with their doctor to discuss potential alternatives. Providers have also been notified with a list of covered alternatives.
• Several alternatives will be covered at the lowest copay for members who need a long-acting opioid for around the clock pain management: Morphine ER, Tramadol ER, Fentanyl ER, and Methadone will be covered.

Blue Cross will continue to adopt actionable policies that promote safe prescribing of opioid medication and appropriate access to treatment for opioid use disorder.