STEP THERAPY
Step therapy is a prescription benefit program which only applies to certain types of prescription medications.  With step therapy, members will receive benefits for drugs subject to step therapy only after trying alternative medications which have been determined to be safe, effective and less costly. 

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Prior authorization is a clinical program that only applies to certain types of prescription medications.  Prescription medications subject to the prior authorization program will require pre-approval before they can qualify for coverage under the pharmacy benefit plan.