Is my drug a "specialty drug?"

To find out if your drug is a specialty drug, check the Washington State Rx Services Preferred Drug List. If a drug is a specialty drug, you'll see "SP" in the "Specialty Drug"  (or SPEC) column, which means you must order this prescription through UMP's specialty drug pharmacy, BioScrip (see the definition of specialty drugs). For information on how to order, see "How do I order specialty drugs?"

How much will I pay for a specialty drug?

Specialty drugs are covered under the same tiers as other prescription drugs (see "Drug Pricing Tiers" for how much you'll pay). If a Tier 3 specialty drug has a generic equivalent, you will alos have to pay the ancillary charge.  Note: All specialty medications are limited to a 30-day maximum supply per prescription or refill.

How do I order specialty drugs?

ALERT! BioScrip, the specialty pharmacy, is unable to ship outside the United States. See How do travel overrides for prescription drugs work? if you will be traveling outside the country.

Prescriptions for specialty drugs cannot be filled at retail pharmacies. You must order your specialty medications from BioScrip by calling 1-877-316-8921.  BioScrip Customer Service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. However, orders received after 1 p.m. Pacific Time won't be filled until the next business day.

Most specialty drugs require preauthorization. A Patient Care Coordinator will contact your provider to review the coverage criteria and authorize the prescription if the criteria are met. The Patient Care Coordinator will work with you to schedule a delivery time for the medication. If you are unable to be present for the delivery, BioScrip will deliver your medications anywhere you choose, such as to your workplace or to a neighbor, but not out of the country. Specialty medications often require special handling and storage, so someone must be present to sign for them.