Changes to injured worker drug benefits Print E-mail
Wednesday, June 1, 2005

BWC Preferred Drug Program begins July 10

As of July 10, 2005, BWC will implement a Preferred Drug Program for injured workers. The changes will apply to the following drug categories:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2s;
2. Narcotic analgesics;
3. Skeletal muscle relaxants.

BWC used recommendations from its Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee to develop the Preferred Drug Program. Under this program, BWC will no longer routinely pay for certain high-priced medications if other effective medications are available at a lower price. Medications on BWC's “Non-Preferred Drug” list will require prior authorization. The injured worker’s physician will be required to justify why the specific non-preferred drug is medically necessary before the medication will be reimbursed.

For more information about the Preferred Drug Program or Outpatient Medication Benefits, call 1-800-OHIOBWC or e-mail ACSPBM@bwc.state.oh.us.