Effective December 31, 2025, generic Novolog (insulin aspart) and generic Tresiba (insulin degludec) vials and pens were discontinued by the manufacturer. In response, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has moved the brand name Humalog (insulin lispro) products to preferred status and will continue to maintain the generic insulin lispro and brand name Lantus (insulin glargine) products as preferred on the Preferred Drug List (PDL).  

To ensure that interruption in treatment is avoided, pharmacies are encouraged to contact the patient's doctor to request a change to a preferred rapid acting insulin agent. Pharmacies may continue to dispense generic insulin until stock is exhausted.  

Also in Illinois, effective April 15, Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will once again designate Contour Plus Blue blood glucose meters and test strips as preferred agents on the Preferred Drug List (PDL). In the Provider Notice issued 10/24/2025, prior authorization was temporarily removed for the non-preferred brands, OneTouch, Accu-Chek and FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose test strips due to shortages of Contour Plus Blue products. Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has been in communication with Ascensia Diabetes Care, the manufacturer of Contour Plus Blue products, which has confirmed that the out-of-stock issues experienced last year have been rectified.  

If Illinois Medicaid customers received OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose strips since October 24, 2025, a new prescription is required to change over to the Contour Plus Blue products. Prior authorization is necessary for OneTouch, Accu-Chek or FreeStyle products.  

This change will apply to Fee-For-Service (FFS) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).  

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.  

Also in Illinois, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) announced the availability of an online application for the Pharmacy Assistance Program. Supported by a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, IRMA will provide direct payments to qualifying pharmacies in the state to increase the availability of pharmacy services in the state's underserved communities. Details about the application and qualifications can be found by clicking the button below. Pharmacies are encouraged to apply soon as the application period closes at midnight on March 31. For questions regarding the program or the application, please email info@irma.org.  

For more information, contact NACDS’ Leigh Knotts at 803-243-7207.