pujo, I feel your pain, but I think this is pretty much standard for the prescription companies in insurance plans. I have the same problems with mine, and believe it or not, with the same drug, Celebrex. I have taken Celebrex since the summer of '04, and I have now had to submit this "verification" bs out 3 times.
The first time, I somewhat understood. I had to facilitate with my MD and the 'script company getting them the info they wanted. They pretty much wanted to know what other meds I had been on that were similar (Ibuprofen, niacin, voltaren) and their effect on me. They actually all hurt my stomach a bit. After a couple of days and several faxes and a phone call from my doc, we got the Celebrex approved. Then, my coverage changed, I got a new company, and we had to do it all over again. My coverage changed a second time, and we had to do it yet again. 3 different 'script companies, verifying/getting the drug approved 3 times. The third time, Celebrex was at first a non-formulary drug, but has now been switched to formulary, so I only pay 25 bucks a month.
The other issue the 'script companies had was that I was taking 200 mg twice a day which they claimed was only recommended for a few conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Anyway, lots of phone calls, and my doctor and his staff's persistence got me "approved" every time, and I've taken it now for 4 years.
It's jumping through hoops as I call it, but I think it's standard, especially with lots of the newer, better drugs. Good luck, and just stay with it.
I pay 15 or less for generics, 25 for formulary name brand, and 35 for non-formulary name brand.
