UPMC UPDATE: LifeScan moving to non-preferred

Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, LifeScan will no longer be the preferred brand for diabetes testing supplies for all UPMC for Life plans.

On July 15, LifeScan filed for bankruptcy. While they continue to operate, UPMC for Life wants to ensure diabetic members have reliable, long-term access to the supplies they need. Starting Sept. 1, Trividia and Abbott diabetes testing supplies will be preferred with a $0 copay for members.

Affected UPMC for Life members are receiving a letter this week to notify them of this change, including the following information.

Here’s what this means:

• Starting Oct. 1, LifeScan will no longer be preferred. Members could pay up to 20 percent of the cost and will need prior authorization from UPMC for Life to use LifeScan diabetes testing supplies.
• Trividia supplies, such as True Metrix, are now a preferred supply brand. Effective Sept. 1, Abbott supplies, such as Freestyle, will also be preferred. To continue getting supplies at no cost, members can switch to diabetes testing supplies made by either of these brands.

What should UPMC for Life members do next:

• Talk to their doctor as soon as possible about switching to Trividia or Abbott for their supplies.
• Doctors will need to send a new prescription to a network pharmacy. This can be done electronically so members can get their supplies without waiting for an in-person appointment.
• When a members’ doctor sends a prescription for a new monitor to their pharmacy, they will receive a new glucose monitor for free.

What if a member needs more time to make this change?

• UPMC for Life can allow a temporary supply of their current diabetes testing supplies. This will give time to switch to supplies that are covered or to request an exception or authorization.
• If a UPMC for Life member and their doctor feel they need to stay on their current medication long-term, the member should notify UPMC for Life as soon as possible. The member or their doctor can ask for what is called an exception request.

If you have any questions regarding the change with LifeScan, please contact your broker manager.

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