Skip to Content

Provider Manual

Exception process

Last Updated on October 06, 2026

You can ask us to make an exception to our coverage rules. There are several types of exceptions that you can ask us to make:

 

Formulary Exception

  • You can ask us to cover a drug that is not listed on our formulary.
Quantity Exception
  • If the drug has a quantity limit, you can ask us to waive the limit and cover more.

Copay Exception (also referred to as tier relief)

  • You can ask us to provide a higher level of coverage for drug. For example, if a drug is usually considered a Tier 4 drug, you can ask for coverage as a Tier 3 drug if preferred alternatives have been tried. This would lower the copayment amount paid for the drug.

Please note, if we grant a request to cover a drug that is not on our formulary, a copay exception is not available.

 

Generally, we will only approve a request for an exception if the preferred alternatives included on the plan’s formulary would not be as effective in treating the condition and/or would cause adverse medical effects.

 

A decision by Security Health Plan concerning an exception request constitutes a coverage determination; therefore, all of the coverage determination requirements and timeframes described in the coverage determination process section apply.

 

In order to help us make a decision more quickly, you should include supporting medical information in submitting the exception request.

If we approve the exception request, our approval is valid for the remainder of the plan year, so long as you continue to prescribe the drug and it continues to be safe and effective for treating the condition. If we deny the exception request, you can appeal our decision.

 

Providers or their agent(s) may initiate requests for formulary exceptions or authorizations via: