LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Due to the severity of the current flu season, Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) is lifting its prior authorization requirements on prescriptions for Tamiflu and its generic versions in an effort to increase access to the antiviral drug for PHC’s Medi-Cal members.

“California is experiencing one of the worst flu seasons in years,” Dr. Robert Moore, PHC’s Chief Medical Officer said today. “In light of this urgent situation and because we want our members to have all the care they need to fight the flu, we are streamlining access to generic oseltamivir and brand name Tamiflu.”

Members experiencing flu-like symptoms should consult with their primary care physician to discuss treatment options, Dr. Moore said. All members are encouraged to speak with their doctor about flu prevention, including the flu vaccine.

PHC, which manages care for Medi-Cal recipients in 14 Northern California counties, is temporarily lifting its prior authorization requirements on prescriptions for Tamiflu and its generic versions so that providers can prescribe the antiviral drug and patients can receive it at their pharmacy with minimal delay.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antiviral drugs like oseltamivir can lessen symptoms and shorten the time one is sick by one or two days. The drugs can also prevent serious complications, like pneumonia.

For those at high risk for complications, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness instead of a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay, the CDC says.