How are drugs selected for the formulary?
Preferred Health Systems uses a committee of doctors and pharmacists (P&T Committee) to make these choices. First, we get input from local primary care doctors and specialists. Then our plans’ Medical Directors and Pharmacists use this information to discuss with other Medical Directors and Pharmacists from our other health plans. We take all this local information and use it to help us choose the best drugs. Often, two drugs are equally safe and effective, but there can be major differences in their proven benefit to patients and in their costs. Following an in-depth analysis, the committee adds safe, effective, affordable drugs to the formulary. While new medications may be added every three months, we try to remove drugs only once a year. In addition to the formulary, certain classes of drugs (such as those for cosmetic purposes or smoking cessation) may be excluded from your coverage.
