Find detailed information on commercial health plan formularies and prior authorization requirements for CGRP-targeting migraine treatments. Learn about step therapy criteria, quantity limits, and plan-specific policies to guide your coverage decisions across different insurers.

PBM formulary criteria shown are representative of Utilization Management offeredVariations in the prior authorization may occur. 

Formulary Name

Acute/Preventive

Prior Authorization

  • >18 years old; 4+ MHD/mo 
    • Diagnosis 

Quantity Limits

Payers may require treatment trial, contraindication, or intolerance of different classes 

Payers may have varying requirements for patients. Upon PA approval, reauthorization may be required after 12 months. 

Payers may allow only a set amount of usage over a predefined time period.

Preventive 

No steps.  

  • If CVS Caremark does not require PA submission-if 2 mo trial w/I last 2 yrs 
  • Otherwise Step x 1   

Yes

Anthem Commercial Formularies

All

Yes

Yes

Cigna Commercial Formularies 

Acute

Step x 1 or 2 (depending on plan) 

Yes

Yes

CVS Caremark PDL – Standard Control 

Acute

Yes

Yes

Preventive

Yes

Yes

Express Scripts National Preferred Formulary 

Acute 

Yes

Yes

Kaiser Northern California 

All

Yes

Yes

Kaiser Southern California 

All

Yes

Yes

Prime Therapeutics Commercial Formularies 

Acute

Yes

Yes

  •  

Preventive

Yes

Yes

Tricare

All

Yes

Yes

United Healthcare Commercial Plans 

Acute 

Yes

Yes

Preventive 

Yes

Yes

AHS Position Statement
Product Prior Authorization Checklists