Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
Stimulant medication shortages
UPMC Health Plan·PA · Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Medicine +2 more·Pharmacy
Effective date
Mar 1, 2023
We identified it
Aug 7, 2026
Summary
UPMC Health Plan is implementing a temporary override process for generic stimulant medication shortages (Adderall, Adderall XR, Concerta generics). Providers, pharmacies, and members can request one-time overrides to substitute brand-name equivalents at generic cost for Commercial members. This applies across all UPMC lines of business while shortages persist.
Action Required
Immediately: Educate clinical staff and front desk on the stimulant medication shortage override process. Providers should be prepared to request brand-name overrides by calling Pharmacy Services at 1-800-979-8762 when patients encounter generic shortages. Update patient communication materials to direct members to call Member Services (number on ID card) if their pharmacy cannot obtain generics. For Commercial members, emphasize that overrides eliminate higher out-of-pocket costs. Pharmacy staff should be aware they can call the Pharmacy Help Desk at 1-800-396-4139. Monitor for UPMC policy updates on when this temporary process ends. No billing system changes required at this time, but document override requests in patient records.