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[Georgia] Specialty pharmacy updates — November 2026

Anthem BCBS·GA · Pharmacy, Rheumatology, Oncology +5 more·Pharmacy
Effective date
Nov 1, 2026
We identified it
Oct 23, 2026
Days to comply
4 days

Summary

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Georgia) is implementing multiple specialty pharmacy management updates effective on two dates: November 1, 2026 for step therapy reviews, and February 1, 2027 for prior authorization, quantity limits, site-of-care reviews, and clinical criteria revisions. Billing teams must update workflows to require prior authorization and apply quantity limits for specified biosimilar and specialty drugs, and verify step therapy requirements for denosumab products before those dates.

Action Required

Before Nov 1, 2026
By November 1, 2026: Billing and clinical staff must implement step therapy review requirements for denosumab products (Bildyos, Enoby, Bilprevda, Xtrenbo) using HCPCS codes Q5162, Q5167 in the billing system. By February 1, 2027: (1) Billing team must update the billing system to require prior authorization for specialty pharmacy claims using HCPCS codes C9399, J3590, J9999 and specific drugs listed (Immgolis, Immgolis Intri, Lytenava, Sarclisa Escena); (2) Implement quantity limit controls for the same medications on claims with dates of service on or after February 1, 2027; (3) Apply site-of-care restrictions for 10 specialty drugs (Avlayah, Boncresa, Enoby, Exdensur, Fesilty, Loargys, Osvyrti, Ponlimsi, Qivigy, Starjemza) using specified HCPCS/CPT codes; (4) Review revised Clinical Criteria CC-0001, CC-0027, CC-0048, CC-0058, CC-0062, CC-0068, CC-0072, CC-0075, CC-0104, CC-0107, CC-0124, CC-0127, CC-0142, CC-0156, CC-0161, CC-0165, CC-0167, CC-0228, CC-0242, CC-0244, CC-0266, CC-0247, CC-0310 as previously covered services may now be denied as not medically necessary. Note: Oncology claims for Sarclisa Escena are managed by Carelon Medical Benefits Management. Claims lacking required prior authorization or not meeting new criteria may be denied.

Affected Billing Codes

C9399
J3590
J9999
Q5162
Q5167
J1757
Q5171
J2361
J7176
J1818
Q5166
Q5173
J1577
Q5164