Community First Health Plans is sharing information regarding the Texas Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) update scheduled for July 24, 2026. The update reflects recommendations from the January and April 2026 Texas Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board meetings.
The updated PDL and PDL Criteria Guide will be available on July 24, 2026.
Preferred Drug List (PDL) Overview
The Texas Medicaid formulary categorizes drugs as preferred, non-preferred, or neither preferred nor non-preferred.
In general:
- Preferred drugs are available without PDL prior authorization.
- Non-preferred drugs require prior authorization.
- Some preferred and non-preferred drugs may also be subject to clinical prior authorization requirements.
Changes to a drug’s preferred status may affect prescribing decisions, prior authorization requirements, and member access to medications.
Notable July 2026 Changes
New PDL Class
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Agents
Renamed PDL Classes
- Calcium Channel Blockers (Oral) → Calcium Channel Blockers
- PAH Agents (Oral, Inhalation) → PAH Agents
- Skeletal Muscle Relaxants → Skeletal Muscle Relaxants and Related Agents
- Proton Pump Inhibitors → Stomach Acid Reducers and Related
Prescriber Considerations
Providers are encouraged to review the updated PDL and applicable prior authorization criteria before prescribing medications that may be affected by these changes.
Providers should also review formulary status and authorization requirements when initiating therapy or renewing existing prescriptions.
Resources
- Texas Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL):
https://www.txvendordrug.com/formulary/preferred-drugs - PDL Criteria Guide (PDF):
https://paxpress.txpa.hidinc.com/pdl_crit_guide.pdf - Texas Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board Documents:
https://www.txvendordrug.com/advisory/dur-board-documents - Quarterly PDL Updates:
https://www.txvendordrug.com/advisory/dur-board-documents/preferred-drug-list-updates - Texas Medicaid Vendor Drug Program:
https://www.txvendordrug.com/
Please refer to the original TMHP Preferred Drug List Update notice for more information.
Action:
Providers are encouraged to share this information with their staff. If you have any questions about this notice, please email Provider Relations at ProviderRelations@cfhp.com or call 210-358-6030. You can also contact your Provider Relations Representative directly.
To access all Provider alerts:
- Log into the Community First Provider Portal
- Go to CommunityFirstHealthPlans.com/Provider-News
- Sign up for the Community First Provider eNewsletter