Pharmacy Education and Resources
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.
HealthChoices Medicaid Health Plans
- Health Partners Plans (HPP)
24-Hour Member Relations Line: 215-849-9600 or 1-800-553-0784 (TTY 711)
Pharmacy Hotline: 215-991-4300 - Keystone First
Member Services: 1-800-521-6860 (TTY 1-800-684-5505)
Nurse Call Line: 1-866-431-1514
Pharmacy Services: 1-800-588-6767 - United Health Care
Pharmacy Prior Authorization Line: 1-800-310-6826 - Geisinger Health Plan
Pharmacy Services: 855-552-6028
Pharmacy Prior Authorization Fax: 570-300-2122 - UPMC for You
Participant Services: 1-800-286-4242
UPMC 24/7 Nurse Line: 1-866-918-1591
Pharmacy Hotline: 1-800-979-8762
Community Health Choices Medicaid Health Plans
- Keystone First, Community Health ChoicesPharmacy Services: 866-907-7088
Nurse Call Line: 1-855-332-0117
Participant Services: 1-855-332-0729 - UPMC for You
Participant Services: 1-800-286-4242
UPMC 24/7 Nurse Line: 1-866-918-1591
Pharmacy Hotline: 1-800-979-8762 - Pennsylvania Health and Wellness
Pharmacy: 1-844-626-6813
Medication Education for Members, Caregivers, and Parents
- CBH Antipsychotic Medication Guide
- CBH Antipsychotics Education for Parents & Caregivers
- CBH Guía Sobre los Medicamentos Antipsicóticos
- CBH Antidepressant Medication Guide
- CBH Guía de Medicación Antidepresiva
- CBH ADHD Medications and Your Child
- CBH Member Medication Wallet Card
- CBH Tarjeta de Billetera de Medicación del Miembro
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.