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 now requires step therapy for certain ICS/LABA inhalers (Dulera HFA, fluticasone prop-salmeterol, AirDuo Digihaler, AirDuo RespiClick) for asthma treatment. Members must have tried and failed TWO of the preferred alternatives (Wixela Inhub, generic fluticasone-salmeterol, Symbicort, Advair HFA, or Breo Ellipta) before these products will be covered.
Action Required
By January 1, 2026: Providers treating asthma patients must document previous treatment failures, contraindications, or intolerances with at least TWO of these preferred ICS/LABA inhalers: Wixela Inhub, fluticasone-salmeterol (generic Advair Diskus), Symbicort, Advair HFA, or Breo Ellipta before prescribing Dulera HFA, fluticasone prop-salmeterol breath activated powder, AirDuo Digihaler, or AirDuo RespiClick. Update EMR templates to include step therapy documentation requirements. Claims for non-preferred inhalers will be denied without proper step therapy documentation.