Highlighted Preferred Drug List (PDL) updates: February 2026
Date: 03/02/26
The Meridian Preferred Drug List Updates and YouthCare Preferred Drug List Updates web pages track recent PDL changes. These updates align with guidance from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).
Note: Active prior authorizations for medication(s) listed will not be affected. If you have any questions, please call the pharmacy help desk at 855-580-1688.
Effective 1/1/26 – Misc. status changes, including common ADHD medications
Impacted Medication | Change | Preferred Agents or New Limits |
|---|---|---|
Qelbree (viloxazine) | Coverage | Preferred |
Minimed Instinct Glucosensor | Coverage | Preferred w/ Prior Authorization |
Quillichew ER | Coverage | Preferred w/ Prior Authorization |
Onyda XR | Coverage | Preferred w/ Prior Authorization |
Quillivant XR | Coverage | Preferred w/ Prior Authorization |
*Onyda XR (Clonidine HCI ER) is now preferred with prior authorization. Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) must meet all of the following criteria:
- Diagnosis of ADHD
- Age ≥ 6 years
- Member meets one of the following (A or B):
- Failure of one preferred non-stimulant medication (i.e. clonidine, Qelbree, atomoxetine, guanfacine) at up to maximally indicated doses, unless contraindicated or clinically significant adverse effects are experienced
- Documentation supports inability to swallow capsules or pills
- Dose does not exceed 0.4 mg per day
Effective 1/1/26 – 31-day supply limit for brand drugs
Prescriptions for these agents should be written for monthly fills. Extended day supplies will not adjudicate without override or additional review.
Impacted Medication | Change | Preferred Agents or New Limits |
|---|---|---|
ARMOUR THYRO TAB 120MG | Monthly Fill Limit | Limited to a 31-day supply |
ARMOUR THYRO TAB 15MG | ||
ARMOUR THYRO TAB 180MG | ||
ARMOUR THYRO TAB 240MG | ||
ARMOUR THYRO TAB 30MG | ||
ARMOUR THYRO TAB 60MG | ||
ARMOUR THYRO TAB 90MG | ||
BYSTOLIC TAB 20MG | ||
CYTOMEL TAB 5MCG | ||
DIOVAN TAB 40MG | ||
DIOVAN TAB 80MG | ||
EDARBI TAB 40MG | ||
EDARBI TAB 80MG | ||
NEORAL CAP 25MG | ||
NITRO-DUR DIS 0.4MG/HR | ||
NORVASC TAB 5MG | ||
NP THYROID TAB 120MG | ||
NP THYROID TAB 15MG | ||
NP THYROID TAB 30MG | ||
NP THYROID TAB 60MG | ||
NP THYROID TAB 90MG | ||
RYTARY CAP 195MG | ||
SINGULAIR TAB 10MG | ||
SPIRIVA CAP HANDIHLR | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 100MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 112MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 125MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 137MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 150MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 175MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 200MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 25MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 300MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 50MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 75MCG | ||
SYNTHROID TAB 88MCG | ||
THEO-24 CAP 200MG CR | ||
THEO-24 CAP 300MG CR | ||
TOPROL XL TAB 25MG | ||
ULORIC TAB 40MG | ||
ZETIA TAB 10MG |
Effective 2/1/26 – New limits for CGRP and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha Inhibitors
Concurrent therapy within these drug classes is not supported. If clinical justification exists, standard prior authorization pathways apply.
| Impacted Medication | Change | New Limits |
|---|---|---|
ALL Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Receptor Antagonists | New Limit | Restricted to one medication at a time. |
ALL Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha Inhibitors | New Limit | Restricted to one medication at a time. |
Effective 2/1/26 – Omnipod: New quantity limit
Quantity limits have been updated to align with standard utilization. Requests exceeding this limit require clinical review.
Impacted Medication | Change | New Limits |
|---|---|---|
Omnipod | New Quanitiy Limit | Limited to 10 per 30 days |