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Medicare AdvantagePrior AuthHigh impact

[Ohio] Clinical Criteria updates

Anthem BCBS·OH · Oncology, Ophthalmology, Dermatology +7 more·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Dec 1, 2026
We identified it
Aug 27, 2026
Days to comply
77 days

Summary

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has revised 23 clinical criteria policies and added 4 new ones for medical drug benefits under Medicare Advantage/MyCare Ohio plans, effective December 1, 2026. These updates affect prior authorization and medical necessity requirements for specialty medications across oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, and rare disease categories. Billing teams must obtain updated clinical criteria documentation to ensure accurate prior authorization submissions and claim processing.

Action Required

Before Dec 1, 2026
By November 15, 2026: Billing team and providers must review the 27 updated clinical criteria policies (CC-0029, CC-0031, CC-0032, CC-0043, CC-0057, CC-0061, CC-0077, CC-0099, CC-0112, CC-0119, CC-0121, CC-0125, CC-0128, CC-0130, CC-0151, CC-0158, CC-0163, CC-0218, CC-0237, CC-0243, CC-0258, CC-0276, CC-0279, CC-0281, CC-0303, CC-0304, CC-0305, CC-0306) on Anthem's Clinical Criteria page to identify specific changes to medical necessity requirements. Contact Anthem immediately via the provided email to obtain detailed authorization requirements for each revised and new criterion. Update billing software, prior authorization templates, and clinical documentation requirements to reflect the new criteria. Failure to comply with updated medical necessity requirements will result in claim denials for affected specialty medications, particularly for oncology immunotherapies, biologic agents, and rare disease treatments.