Pharmacy Education and Resources for Members

As a reminder, in accordance with state standards, CBH does not have a pharmacy benefit, and as such is not responsible for the approval or rejection of medication claims through your local pharmacy. However, to assist you in accessing medications, below we have compiled various medical- and pharmacy-related information from the insurance companies that serve Medicaid recipients in Philadelphia.

After initial outreach to the physical health insurance company, if you experience persistent difficulty accessing medications for your mental health or addiction treatment, please contact CBH.PharmacyInitiatives@phila.gov.

Please Note: Effective January 1, 2020, Pennsylvania Medicaid began operating a central Preferred Drug List/Formulary. If there are any questions about the medications not captured within the state PDL, reach out to your individual insurance company using the contact information provided below.

Naloxone Notice

Naloxone Hydrochloride (Naloxone) is a medication indicated for reversal of a drug overdose that is the result of consumption or use of one or more opioid-related drugs causing a drug overdose event (opioid-related overdose).

For more information about Naloxone, please see the Pennsylvania Department of Health  Naloxone Standing Order DOH-001-2023 (Effective 1/17/2023)

HealthChoices Medicaid Health Plans
Community Health Choices Medicaid Health Plans
CBH Medication Education for Members, Caregivers, and Parents
Integrated Care Tip Sheets

Disclaimer: The information contained in these tip sheets is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice from a physician or other health care provider. The clinical services described in these tip sheets may not be covered for all CBH enrollees. To find out about what services are available to you under your CBH benefit package and how to receive them, please contact CBH Member Services at 1-888-545-2600.

These documents were developed in partnership with collaborating providers and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Medicaid MCOs that participate in the HealthChoices and Community HealthChoices programs.

Cardiovascular Monitoring for Members with Behavioral Health Conditions

If you have cardiovascular disease and a behavioral health condition, it is important that you monitor your cardiovascular disease regularly. One way to monitor your cardiovascular illness is to get a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) test at least once a year.

Diabetes Care for Members with Behavioral Health Conditions

If you have a behavioral health condition and diabetes (type 1 or type 2), you should check that your HbA1c is under control by having an HbA1c test performed. Check your HbA1c level to prevent serious diabetes complications, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, and kidney disease.

Diabetes Screening for Members with Behavioral Health Conditions Who Take Medications

People with serious mental illness are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Antipsychotic medications can also increase the risk of developing diabetes. It is important to get regular blood screens for diabetes while taking antipsychotic medications.

Diabetes Monitoring for Members with Behavioral Health Conditions Who Take Medications

People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have heart problems (cardiovascular disease) or a stroke. Diabetes may also increase the risk of kidney disease. Because medications for your behavioral health conditions may increase the risks associated with diabetes, it’s important to check your diabetes regularly.

Taking Medications for Your Behavioral Health Conditions

Taking antipsychotic medication as prescribed by your doctor may reduce symptoms and prevent you from going to the hospital. It is important to take your medication regularly and avoid missing doses.

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