Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the criteria for determining which medications are included in the program?
- The UnitedHealthcare National Pharmacy and Therapeutic (P&T) Committee approved the following clinical criteria to determine prescription product inclusion in the Half Tablet Program.
- Medications with a wide margin of safety so that minimal differences in tablet sizes will not result in either underdosing or overdosing
- Tablets that can be split relatively evenly without crumbling
- Medications that will remain stable after splitting
Medications with select characteristics are not considered for the Half Tablet progrom. These include
- Capsules containing powders or gels
- Pills that have a hard outside coating
- Pills that are designed to release the medications over time in your body
- Pills that provide drug release throughout the day
- How does the Half Tablet Program work at mail order?
- Prescriptions are dispensed as written through mail order. So to participate in the program, your doctor will need to write you a new prescription. The prescription would be for twice the strength and half the quantity for a 3-month supply of your medication. It would note your intent to split the tablets. For example, if you take your medication once a day, you would need to receive 45 tablets to meet a 3-month supply through mail order.
- How does the Half Tablet Program work at retail?
- Prescriptions are dispensed as written through retail. So to participate in the program, your doctor will need to write you a new prescription. The prescription would be for twice the strength and half the quantity for a 1-month supply of your medication. It would note your intent to split the tablets. For example, if you take your medication once a day, you would need to receive a 30-day or 1-month supply through retail.
- How do I get my no-cost tablet splitter?
- UnitedHealthcare will provide you with one no-cost tablet splitter by mail. If you prefer, you may also purchase a tablet splitter at your local pharmacy, at your own expense. It is not covered by your UnitedHealthcare pharmacy benefit.
- How long does it take for my splitter to arrive?
- Your splitter should arrive within 10 business days. Please do not call to check on the status of your tablet splitter until at least 10 business days.
- What if I lose my tablet splitter or it breaks or wears out?
- Tablet splitters are available for purchase at most pharmacies, at your own expense. It is not covered by your UnitedHealthcare pharmacy benefit.
- What if I don't want to participate in the program?
- Participation in the program is entirely voluntary. In addition, your doctor must agree that the program is right for you. If you do not wish to participate in the program, you may simply continue to fill your prescription as usual, taking the same strength. No action is required if you choose not to participate. If you try the Half Tablet Program and decide that it is not right for you, you may have your doctor write a new prescription for the previous strength level and go back to your usual out-of-pocket costs.