Zika Prevention:  Mosquito Repellant Benefit Update

Date: February 10, 2021 Attention: Primary Care Providers Effective Date: February 18, 2021Providers should monitor the Texas Children’s Health Plan (TCHP) Provider Portal regularly for alerts and updates associated to the COVID-19 event.  TCHP reserves the right to update and/or change this information without prior notice due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 event.Call to action: Texas Children’s Health Plan (TCHP) would like to inform network providers that effective February 18, 2021 Texas Medicaid will renew a standing order for select mosquito repellents for TX Medicaid and CHIP members to prevent contraction of the Zika virus. This year-round benefit is covered through TCHP prescription benefits at no cost. How this impacts providers:Which TCHP members are eligible for this benefit?

• Females ages 10-55 years old
• Pregnant females of any age
• Males ages 14 years and older

Does an eligible member require a prescription to receive mosquito repellant? No. The Texas Medicaid Medical Director has issued a Texas Medicaid Standing Order for Mosquito Repellent for use by pharmacies. TCHP members who use pharmacies that dispense mosquito repellent under this standing order will not require a prescription from their healthcare provider.  You may prescribe mosquito repellent, but it is not required. See below for recommended prescription details: Drug Name: “Mosquito repellent” Directions: Use topically, as directed. Quantity: One (1) can/bottle Refills: 11 How much mosquito repellent can an eligible member receive? One (1) can/bottle of mosquito repellent per prescription fill, with one (1) additional refill allowed per calendar month. Next steps for providers: Providers should share this communication with their staff. Resources: Zika Texas Medicaid Benefit; State Department of Health Services (www.texaszika.org) and the CDC (www.cdc.gov/zika)   If you have any questions, please email TCHP Pharmacy Department at: tchppharmacy@texaschildrens.org.For access to all provider alerts,log into: www.thecheckup.org or www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/for-providers.