Texas Children's Health Plan will be closed on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. In our absence, you can reach our after-hours nurse help line at 1-800-686-3831. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 7th. Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day!
Texas Children's Health Plan estará cerrado el viernes 4 de julio por el Día de la Independencia. Durante este tiempo, puede comunicarse con nuestra línea de ayuda disponible las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, al 1-800-686-3831. Reanudaremos nuestro horario habitual el lunes 7 de julio. ¡Le deseamos un feliz y seguro el Día de la Independencia!
Cold and flu seasonTemporada de influenza y resfriados
ALERT:Stay healthy this cold and flu season!Learn more
ALERTA: ¡Mantente sano durante esta temporada de influenza y resfriados!Más información
Alert Provider! Change in PDL Status for the Smoking Cessation Drug Class Effective May 16, 2023
Date: May 18, 2023
Attention: All Providers
Effective Date: May 16, 2023
Call to action: Texas Children’s Health Plan (TCHP) would like to let providers know that effective May 16, 2023, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) removed non-preferred status from the generic product, varenicline, to the preferred drug list (PDL). The preferred status of the brand product Chatnix® (NDC 00069-0468-56, 00069-0471-03, 00069-0469-56) will not change. This is in response to drug shortage for the brand Chantix® due to a manufacturing delay of this product by Pfizer.
Please see below the NDCs for varenicline that will be recognized as PDL
How this impacts providers: The change will allow prescribers to prescribe the generic vareniciline without requiring PDL prior authorization at this time. Providers will be able to continue providing necessary medication to their members.
Next steps for providers: Prescribers are encouraged to proactively obtain a prescription for the alternative preferred varenicline to avoid disruption in patient’s therapy. Prescribers should share this communication with their staff.
NOTE: This change is temporary. HHSC will further assess the availability of any alternative brand name products for smoking cessation. HHSC will also provide further announcements regarding future PDL status changes when information comes available.
