Medicare AdvantagePrior AuthMedium impact
Bronchitol® (mannitol) (Revised)
Humana·Pulmonology, Pediatrics·Medicare Advantage
Effective date
Dec 17, 2025
We identified it
Jun 25, 2026
Summary
Humana Medicare Advantage revised its Bronchitol (mannitol) prior authorization policy effective December 17, 2025. The policy requires prior authorization for this inhaled mucolytic agent in cystic fibrosis patients, with mandatory Bronchitol Tolerance Testing (BTT) under healthcare provider supervision and concurrent use with short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) as approval criteria.
Action Required
By December 17, 2025: Billing team must implement prior authorization requirement for Bronchitol (mannitol) capsule inhalation device claims in Humana Medicare Advantage plans. Update billing system to flag all Bronchitol requests for prior auth review. Verify claims include documentation of: (1) confirmed cystic fibrosis diagnosis, (2) completed BTT with passing results, and (3) concurrent short-acting bronchodilator prescription. Train front desk and clinical staff that BTT must be supervised by healthcare practitioner before Bronchitol initiation. Denial of claims lacking BTT documentation or approval criteria will result. Reference Humana's Preauthorization and Notification List (PAL) at www.humana.com/PAL for current medical claim coding. Do not rely on printed policy versions—verify currency online before each authorization request.