Provider Alert! Zika Prevention:  Mosquito Repellant Benefit Update

Date: February 10, 2021

Attention: Primary Care Providers

Effective Date: February 18, 2021

Providers 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.