Provider Notice issued 02/18/2026

PDL Updates to Diabetic Supplies

This notice is to inform providers of two (2) updates involving diabetic supplies and the Illinois Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL). 

As of December 31, 2025, generic Novolog (insulin aspart) and generic Tresiba (insulin degludec) vials and pens were discontinued by the manufacturer. In response, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has moved the brand name Humalog (insulin lispro) products to preferred status and will continue to maintain the generic insulin lispro and brand name Lantus (insulin glargine) products as preferred on the PDL.

To ensure that interruption in treatment is avoided, pharmacies are encouraged to contact the patient’s doctor to request a change to a preferred rapidacting insulin agent. Pharmacies may continue to dispense generic insulin aspart until their stock is exhausted.

As of April 15, 2026, HFS will once again designate Contour Plus Blue blood glucose meters and test strips as preferred agents on the PDL. In the 10/24/2025 Provider Notice, prior authorization was temporarily removed for the non-preferred brands, OneTouch, Accu-Chek, and FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose test strips due to shortages of Contour Plus Blue products. These brands will once again become non-preferred and require prior authorization on April 15, 2026. HFS has been in communication with Ascensia Diabetes Care, the manufacturer of Contour Plus Blue products, which has confirmed that the out-of-stock issues experienced last year have been rectified.

If Illinois Medicaid customers received OneTouch, Accu-Chek, or FreeStyle blood glucose meters and blood glucose strips since 10/24/2025, a new prescription is required to change over to the Contour Plus Blue products. Prior authorization is necessary for OneTouch, Accu-Chek, or FreeStyle products.

This change 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.s 

Laura Phelan, Administrator 
Division of Medical Programs