Common Abbreviations You May Encounter

LA: Limited Access. This prescription may be available only at certain pharmacies. For more information consult your Provider Directory or call customer service at 1-866-509-5398 toll free, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may reach a messaging service on weekends from April 1 through September 30 and holidays. Please leave a message, and your call will be returned the next business day. TTY users should call 711.

NDS: Non-Extended Days’ Supply. This drug can only be obtained for a one-month supply or less. You cannot fill a prescription for more than a one-month supply.

NM: Non-Mail Order. The prescription cannot be filled by an Essence Healthcare network mail order pharmacy.

PA: Prior Authorization. Essence Healthcare requires you or your physician to get prior authorization for certain drugs. This means that you will need to get approval from Essence Healthcare before you fill your prescriptions. If you don’t get approval, the plan may not cover the drug.

PA BvD: Prior Authorization for Part B vs Part D Determination. This prescription drug has a Part B versus D administrative prior authorization requirement. You (or your physician) are required to get prior authorization from Essence Healthcare to determine that this drug is covered under Medicare Part D before you fill your prescription for this drug. Without prior approval, the plan may not cover this drug.

NSO: Prior Authorization, New Starts Only. If you are a new member or if you have not taken this drug before, you or your physician are required to get prior authorization from Essence Healthcare before you fill your prescription for this drug. Without prior approval, the plan may not cover this drug.

QL: Quantity Limit. For certain drugs, Essence Healthcare limits the amount of the drug that the plan will cover. For example, Essence Healthcare provides 18 tablets per prescription for sumatriptan succinate. This may be in addition to a standard one-month or three-month supply.

ST: Step Therapy. In some cases, Essence Healthcare requires you to first try certain drugs to treat your medical condition before we will cover another drug for that condition. For example, if Drug A and Drug B both treat your medical condition, Essence Healthcare may not cover Drug B unless you try Drug A first. If Drug A does not work for you, the plan will then cover Drug B.