News and Updates

Updated 9/3/2021. Check this page frequently for the latest information regarding the Prescription Drug Plan formulary, changes to coverage policies, and other relevant news for plan members.

Drug Recalls

The University of Michigan's Prescription Drug Plan will keep members up-to-date with important information regarding drug recalls. Members potentially impacted by a drug recall related to a medication's safety or efficacy may receive a letter from Magellan Rx with information about the recall, and what they should do for next steps. For more information on recent drug recalls, visit Magellan Rx's website or visit the FDA’s website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

The COVID-19 vaccine is a covered pharmacy-administered vaccine. U-M’s benefits plans cover approved vaccinations under both your pharmacy through the U-M Prescription Drug Plan and through your U-M health plan. Approved vaccines require no co-pay on your part. When receiving your vaccine at a pharmacy, provide either your medical or drug plan ID card. To avoid confusion, don't use both cards at the same time. Learn about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and availability.

Pharmacy Benefits and Advisory Committee (PBAC) Updates

The Pharmacy Benefits and Advisory Committee (PBAC), consisting of clinical subject matter experts within Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan, meets regularly to review and approve changes to the Prescription Drug Plan formulary. Check the formulary for up to date formulary status. Formulary status is subject to change. Here are the latest updates.

October 2021

Mail Order Update

As of Friday, Oct. 22, members will no longer be able to order their 90-day prescription drugs on the NoviXus/U-M website. These orders will be taken only on the Birdi website, umich.birdirx.com. Work on the Birdi app continues, with a goal to go live in early 2022. The NoviXus app is being phased out of the App Store and Google Play within the next month and will soon be unusable, so plan accordingly. 

September 2021

New Drug Products Added to Formulary

Effective Sept. 1, 2021, the following changes will be made to the Prescription Drug Plan’s formulary. Review the formulary. 

  • Pegcetacopian (Empaveli) – Tier 2, LDD, PA, QL
  • Infigratinib (Truseltiq) – Tier 2, Specialty, PA, QL
  • Finerenone (Kerendia) – Tier 3, PA, QL
  • Ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme) – Tier 3, PA, QL
  • Relugolix, Estradiol, Norethindrone (Myfembree) – Tier 2, PA, QL
  • Belumosudil (Rezurock) – Tier 3, PA, QL
  • Naloxone (Kloxxado) nasal spray – Tier 2, QL
  • Mirabegron (Myrbetriq granules) 8 mg/mL suspension – Tier 3, QL
  • Riluzole (Exservan) film – Tier 2, PA, QL

New Generics Added to Formulary

  • Formoterol nebulized vials (generic for Perforomist)
  • Enalapril 1 mg/mL oral solution (generic for Epaned)
  • Sajazir 30 mg/3 mL syringe (branded generic for Firazyr)
  • Sunitinib capsules (generic for Sutent)

July 2021

U-M Mail Order Pharmacy Name Change Effective July 1

As of July 1, 2021, NoviXus Pharmacy Services, U-M’s mail order pharmacy, will be known as Birdi. Although the name has changed, services will continue without interruption. No action on your part is needed. Learn more about the name change. 

New Drug Products Added to Formulary

Effective July 1, 2021, the following changes will be made to the Prescription Drug Plan’s formulary. Review the formulary.

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy) – Tier 2, PA, QL
  • Ferric Maltol (Accrufer) – Tier 3, PA, QL
  • Mannitol (Bronchitol) – Tier 3, Specialty, PA, QL

New Generics Added to Formulary

  • Arformoterol Tartrate Solution (Generic for Brovana)
  • Bepotastine 1.5% Eye Drops (Generic for Bepreve)
  • Rufinamide 200 mg, 400 mg Tablets (Generic for Banzel)

June 2021

New Drug Products Added to Formulary

Effective June 1, 2021, the following changes will be made to the Prescription Drug Plan’s formulary. Review the formulary.

  • Viloxazine (Qelbree) – Tier 3, ST, QL
  • Serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys) – Tier 3, PA, QL
  • Ponesimod (Ponvory) – Tier 3, Specialty, PA, QL
  • Drospirenone and Estetrol Tablets (Nextstellis) – Tier 3, ST, QL
  • Omalizumab (Xolair) – Tier 2, Specialty, PA

New Generics Added to Formulary

  • Pregabalin ER (Generic for Lyrica CR) Tablets

May 2021

Mail Order Pharmacy Service Name to Change July 1

As of July 1, 2021, NoviXus Pharmacy Services, U-M’s mail order pharmacy, will be known as Birdi. Although the name will change, services will continue without interruption. No action on your part is needed during this transition. Learn more about the name change.

April 2021

New Drug Products Added to Formulary

Effective April 1, 2021, the following changes will be made to the Prescription Drug Plan’s formulary. Review the formulary.

  • Tepotinib (Tepmetko) – Tier 2, Specialty, PA, QL, Split-Fill
  • Umbralisib (Ukoniq) – Tier 2, Specialty, PA, QL, Split-Fill
  • Tivozanib (Fotivda) – Tier 3, Specialty, PA, QL

New Generics Added to Formulary

  • Zafemy Contraceptive Patch (Generic for Xulane)
  • Loteprednol 0.5% Gel (Generic for Lotemax)
  • Brinzolamide 1% (Generic for Azopt)
  • Hydrocodone ER (Generic for Hysingla ER)