Language desk / reviewed term
What does Step Therapy mean?
A drug-coverage rule that requires trying a preferred treatment before the plan covers another treatment.
Illustration — not a plan price
The formulary or denial notice should state the required step and how a prescriber can request an exception.
The actual plan document controls. Verify its definitions, network, exclusions, dates, and amounts before relying on the illustration.
Definitions here are never for sale — no plan is recommended on a comprehension page.
Source: HealthCare.gov — Prescription medications and formularies · Verified 2026-08-11 · Reviewed by the MedicalRecords.com editorial team · Last reviewed August 11, 2026