CA AB2050

Requires health care service plans and health insurers to implement medication synchronization programs for prescription drugs effective January 1, 2017, allowing prescriptions refilled at the same frequency to be filled concurrently at a single retail network pharmacy.

Plans and insurers must not deny coverage for prescriptions dispensed in less than standard refill amounts when needed for medication adherence or if the enrollee/insured agrees synchronization is in their best interest.

Plans and insurers must accept early refill and short-fill requests using National Council for Prescription Drug Programs submission codes and may apply prorated daily cost-sharing rates for synchronized maintenance drugs.

Plans and insurers may limit synchronization attempts to a minimum of four per contract year and may exclude drugs in unit-of-use packaging, drugs subject to quantity limits or utilization controls, and drugs taken for less than 90 consecutive calendar days.

Formulary restrictions may continue to apply to prescription drugs covered under synchronization programs.