CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Drug Policy Criteria Change
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield·AR · Ophthalmology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine·Pharmacy
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Arkansas Blue Cross updated their drug formulary criteria for dry eye medications effective January 1, 2026. Xiidra was removed as a formulary alternative and moved to the target drug list requiring prior authorization, while Vevye was added as a new formulary alternative and age requirements were removed from coverage criteria.
Action Required
Before January 1, 2026: Update prior authorization procedures for Xiidra prescriptions as it is now on the target drug list requiring approval. Train staff to recommend Vevye and Tryptyr as formulary alternatives for dry eye treatment. Update prescription protocols to remove age restrictions for coverage criteria.