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 the following criteria are among those excluded from the program.
  • Enteric-coated tablets
  • Capsules, liquids, topical medications
  • Unscored extended-release tablets
  • Combination tablets in which the amount of one active ingredient changes from one tablet to the next, but the amount of the other ingredient does not
  • Medications where splitting tablets provides no member value
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 90-day 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 90-day supply through mail order. The mail order pharmacy will not make outbound patient or doctor calls to initiate program participation.
How do I get my no-cost tablet splitter?
UnitedHealthcare will provide you with one no-cost tablet splitter by mail. Notification letters will contain a Participant Code, which is required when ordering the tablet splitter on www.halftablet.com. Or, you can call 1-877-471-1860 to order your no-cost tablet splitter. 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.
Can I still get a no-cost tablet splitter if I don’t have a Participant Code?
If you haven’t received a letter, lost your letter, or do not have a Participant Code you can still receive one no-cost tablet splitter by calling 1-877-471-1860. You will be asked to provide your UnitedHealthcare member number and your eligibility in the program will be verified. Not having a Participant Code may cause a delay in receiving your no-cost tablet splitter.
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. If you do not receive your splitter after 10 business days you may call 1-877-471-1860 for more information.
What if I lose my tablet splitter? What if 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 you are appropriate for the program. 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.
 
 

This is a voluntary program. In addition, your doctor must agree that you are appropriate for the program. Not all medications are appropriate for tablet splitting. The medications in this program have been selected because they meet the requirements deemed appropriate for splitting. Consult your doctor before splitting any prescription tablets. Only split tablets with a device designed specifically for that purpose. Follow the instructions that are provided with your tablet splitter.

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