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Medical/Pharmacy Policy Updates Effective 12/15/2026

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska·NE · Rheumatology, Oncology, Hematology +3 more·Pharmacy
Effective date
Dec 15, 2026
We identified it
Sep 16, 2026
Days to comply
87 days

Summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) is implementing a new step therapy requirement for biologic drugs under Medical Policy X.242 effective 12/15/2026. Patients must fail or be intolerant to preferred products before non-preferred biosimilar alternatives can be covered. This applies to denosumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab, and trastuzumab products and requires preauthorization for all non-preferred options on both new and established patients.

Action Required

Before Dec 15, 2026
By December 15, 2026: Billing and clinical teams must implement preauthorization requirements for all non-preferred biologic products listed in Policy X.242 (denosumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab, and trastuzumab biosimilars). Update billing system and EMR to flag claims for these HCPCS codes (J0897, J1745, J3262, J3590, J9312, J9311, J9355, J9356, Q5103, Q5104, Q5112-Q5123, Q5135-Q5136, Q5156-Q5157, Q5159, Q5161-Q5162, Q5166-Q5167, Q5171, Q5173) and require prior authorization before submission. Prior to this date, providers must document contraindication, intolerance, or prior failure to preferred products on all non-preferred biologic claims for BCBSNE members. Create authorization request templates and workflows for established patients switching to non-preferred options, as step therapy now applies to both new starts and established patients. Failure to obtain prior authorization will result in claim denials.

Affected Billing Codes

J0897
J1745
J3262
J3590
J9312
J9311
J9355
J9356
Q5103
Q5104
Q5112
Q5113
Q5114
Q5115
Q5116
Q5117
Q5119
Q5121
Q5123
Q5135
Q5136
Q5156
Q5157
Q5159
Q5161
Q5162
Q5166
Q5167
Q5171
Q5173