Agencies
Services
Provider Notice issued 10/24/2025
Diabetic Testing Supplies Shortage
| To: |
Enrolled Pharmacies |
| Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Re: |
Diabetic Testing Supplies Shortage |
This notice serves to inform providers that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has been notified of a shortage of Contour Plus Blue test strips and blood glucose meters, which are currently preferred on the preferred drug list (PDL). HFS is aware of the supply situation and is working with the manufacturers on efforts to mitigate the supply disruption. To ensure Illinois Medicaid customers can access supplies during the shortage, without coverage interruption, HFS will temporarily remove the prior authorization requirement for the non-preferred brands, OneTouch, Accu-Chek, and FreeStyle, blood glucose test strips, and blood glucose meters, until Contour Plus Blue supplies can be stocked consistently. Non-preferred brands should be used only when the preferred Contour Plus Blue products are unavailable. This will allow providers to use alternative suppliers to meet current demand. HFS will continue to work with manufacturers on shortage prevention efforts for these supplies. This temporary change will be effective starting 10/24/2025 and will apply to Fee-For-Service (FFS) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565, or the applicable MCO.
Laura Phelan, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs