MassHealth pharmacy formulary and prior authorization updates (multiple drugs and classes)
Multi-topic bulletin describing upcoming MassHealth pharmacy policy changes (effective dates primarily 2026-07-01 and 2026-08-10) including anti-obesity/GLP-1 coverage restrictions, ustekinumab biosimilar preference updates, multiple drug preference/non-preferred status and prior authorization/quantity limit changes across therapeutic classes, and assorted criteria updates.
MassHealth will no longer cover medications used solely for weight loss effective July 1, 2026, with limited exceptions.
Preferred ustekinumab biosimilars updated effective July 1, 2026; Imuldosa, Pyzchiva, and Steqeyma will no longer be preferred.
Numerous brand medications changed to non-preferred or added with prior authorization and quantity limits effective August 10, 2026.
Multiple clinical criteria updates across therapeutic areas (oncology immunotherapy, lupus agents, prostate cancer agents, pulmonary hypertension, SSTI/HABP/VABP, etc.).