It’s Time to Update Your Asthma Action Plan
Using an Asthma Action Plan and using “controller” medications exactly as prescribed can help you avoid problems caused by Asthma, prevent inconvenient trips to the Emergency Room and reduce missed days from school, work, and special activities.
Whether you already have an Asthma Action Plan or this is new to you, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) as soon as possible.
You recently received a mailing that included a letter and a blank copy of an Asthma Action Plan.
Bring your existing Asthma Action Plan, or the blank copy you received in the mail, to your next visit. Ask your PCP to update or create a new plan for you. Keep your copy handy and use it to help manage your Asthma on a daily basis.
Be sure to bring all your medications to your appointment and ask your doctor any questions you may have. Some common questions include:
- Which medication is my controller? When should I take that?
- Which medication is my rescue medication (reliever)? When should I take that?
- Can you show me the best way to take my inhaled medication?
- What causes (triggers) my asthma and how can I avoid them?
- Is a 90-day supply of medication right for me? (See back of letter for information to share with your provider)
Asthma can be tough to manage for many people. Understanding how to manage your triggers and taking medications properly, even when you not having symptoms, can help.
If you have any questions about your benefits or have any difficulty getting your prescribed medications, please contact our Member Services at 1-800-953-8854, Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm. We are here to help!
Additional Information you can Share with your Provider
Did you know that Maryland Physicians Care covers a 90-day supply of the following Asthma Controller Medications?
Ask your provider if a 90-day supply is right for you.
Your provider will need to provide a new prescription for the pharmacy with the 90-day supply quantity. When you fill the prescription at a participating pharmacy, be sure to provide the pharmacy with the new prescription and verify you received a 90-day supply.
Maryland Physicians Care Preferred Asthma Controller Medications
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Available Strength | Dosage Forms | Prior Auth Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS **ONLY** | ||||
| Budesonide | 0.25 mg/2 ml, 0.5mg/2 ml, 1mg/2 ml | nebulizer solution | No | |
| Fluticasone Furoate | ARNUITY ELLIPTA | 50 mcg, 100 mcg, 200 mcg | inhaler | No |
| Beclomethasone Diproprionate | QVAR | 40 mcg, 80 mcg | inhaler | No |
| Fluticasone Propionate | FLOVENT HFA | 44 mcg, 110 mcg, 220mcg
|
inhaler | Age restriction; for ages 1-7 |
| INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS COMBINATION | ||||
| Fluticasone-Salmeterol | 55-14; 113-14; 232-14 mcg, 100-50; 250-50; 500-50 mcg | inhaler | No | |
| Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol) | WIXELA INHUB | 100-50; 250-50; 500-50 mcg
|
Inhaler | No |
| LEUKOTRIENE RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST (LTRA) | ||||
| Montelukast sodium | 4 mg, 5mg, 10 mg | chewable tab, tablet, granule | No | |
| Zafirlukast | 10 mg, 20 mg | tablet | No | |
Information and updates on MPC’s Drug Benefits and Preferred Drug Listing (Formulary) are available on our website at the links below.
For important COVID-19 information for people with Moderate to Severe Asthma, click here.
