Medicare AdvantagePrior AuthMedium impact
Inhaled Corticosteroid and Long-Acting Beta Agonist (ICS/LABA) Inhalers (New)
Humana·Pulmonology, Allergy & Immunology, Family Medicine +2 more·Medicare Advantage
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 24, 2026
Summary
Humana Medicare Advantage is implementing new step therapy requirements for certain ICS/LABA inhalers (Dulera HFA, AirDuo Digihaler, AirDuo RespiClick, and generic fluticasone-salmeterol) for asthma treatment. Patients must have tried and failed, had contraindications, or been intolerant to two of the preferred alternatives (Wixela Inhub, generic Advair Diskus, Symbicort, Advair HFA, or Breo Ellipta) before these products will be covered.
Action Required
Before January 1, 2026: Providers treating asthma patients with Dulera HFA, AirDuo Digihaler, AirDuo RespiClick, or generic fluticasone-salmeterol must document in patient records that the patient has previously tried and failed, had contraindications to, or was intolerant of at least two of these preferred alternatives: Wixela Inhub, fluticasone-salmeterol (generic Advair Diskus), Symbicort, Advair HFA, or Breo Ellipta. Update EMR templates to include this step therapy documentation checklist. Claims for the affected inhalers will be denied without proper prior authorization demonstrating step therapy compliance.