Back to dashboard
MedicaidCoverageMedium impact

PDL Update to Long-Acting Insulins

Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine +1 more·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jul 24, 2026
We identified it
Aug 8, 2026
Days to comply

Summary

Illinois Medicaid has temporarily moved insulin glargine-yfgn (a biosimilar) to preferred status on the PDL due to an intermittent supply shortage of Lantus SoloStar pens. This change applies to both Fee-For-Service and Managed Care Organization plans effective July 24, 2026. Lantus vials remain unaffected and preferred. The biosimilar preferred status is temporary and will be reversed once the shortage resolves.

Action Required

Action needed
By August 7, 2026: Billing and clinical teams must update pharmacy benefit management systems and provider ordering workflows to recognize insulin glargine-yfgn (J7309) as preferred for Illinois Medicaid Fee-For-Service and MCO beneficiaries. Providers should be notified that Lantus SoloStar pens may face prior authorization or denial due to shortage; insulin glargine-yfgn is the alternative preferred option. Monitor Illinois HFS communications for resolution of the shortage and reversion to original PDL status. Failure to update may result in delayed claims or unnecessary prior authorization requests. Contact Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO for clarification.

Affected Billing Codes

J7309
J7310
J7311