J0491 Inj anifrolumab-fnia 1mg

Injection, anifrolumab-fnia, 1 mg

Medically Unlikely Edits (effective October 1, 2026)

Medicare pricing for J0491

Medicare Part B drug payment limit (ASP, October 2026)

J0491 payment limit: $18.461 per 1 MG, effective October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, based on 2Q26 ASP data. Coinsurance 20%.

NDCs that bill under J0491 (CMS ASP NDC-HCPCS crosswalk, October 2026)

Physician Fee Schedule (CY 2026, RVU26D)

Status E: excluded from the PFS by regulation.

Payer policies and prior authorization for J0491

97 of 97 payer prior-auth lists that name J0491 require prior authorization or set conditions: Aetna, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, CarePlus Health Plans, Cigna, HealthSpring, Humana, Molina Complete Care (Virginia), Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Idaho, Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Molina Healthcare of Iowa, Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Molina Healthcare of Nevada, Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Molina Healthcare of Texas, and others.

PayerPlanStatePrior authConditionsSinceSource
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue ShieldDrugs under the medical benefit (not ASE/PSE or FEP, which use EBRx and Prime)ARprior auth requiredJun 1, 2022Medical Benefit Pharmacy Prior Approval List
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue)AZ Blue-administered Medicare Advantage (M2K)AZprior auth requiredStep therapySep 1, 2026AZ Blue Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Requirements Code List (Effective 09/01/2026)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue)Standard PA code list (most commercial plans)AZprior auth requiredsite of care: site-of-service reviewSep 1, 2026AZ Blue Standard Prior Authorization Requirements Code List (09/01/2026)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue)State of Arizona employee group (SYD, S3Z)AZprior auth requiredsite of care: site-of-service reviewSep 1, 2026State of Arizona Group Prior Authorization Requirements Code List (09/01/2026)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue)Teamsters group (TYW)AZprior auth requiredSQ route: request from member's PBMSep 1, 2026Teamsters Group Prior Authorization Requirements Code List (Updated 09/01/2026)
Blue Shield of California Promise Health PlanPromise Health Plan Medi-CalCAprior auth requiredSep 1, 2026Medi-Cal Prior Authorization List
AetnaMedicare AdvantageAllprior auth requiredStep therapy appliesAug 25, 2026Aetna Medicare Part B drug list (partbname.xml)
AetnaCommercialAllprior auth requiredsite of care: drug and site of careOct 1, 2026Participating provider precertification list for Aetna®
AetnaMedicare AdvantageAllprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Participating provider precertification list for Aetna®
CignaACA/IFPAllprior auth requiredApr 1, 2022Master Precertification List (For Health Care Providers)
CignaBasic StandardAllprior auth requiredApr 1, 2022Master Precertification List (For Health Care Providers)
CignaComplete/PHS+/PreferredAllprior auth requiredApr 1, 2022Master Precertification List (For Health Care Providers)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IllinoisBlue Cross Community Health Plans (BCCHP), Illinois MedicaidILprior auth requiredJan 1, 2026Illinois Medicaid Prior Authorization Code List, Effective 10/1/2026
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IllinoisBlue Cross Community MMAI (Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative)ILprior auth requiredeviCore-managedApr 1, 2022Procedure Code List, Effective 1/1/2025
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of TexasTexas PA exemption (gold card), outpatient, fully insuredTXprior auth requiredGold-card exemption availableNov 1, 2024BCBSTX Outpatient Prior Authorization Exemption Clinical Guidelines (max units, PA exempt date range)
HealthSpringMedicare AdvantageAllprior auth requiredJan 1, 20252026 Q4 Prior Authorization List
CarePlus Health PlansCarePlus Health PlansFLprior auth requiredJan 1, 2027Medicare Advantage and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans Prior Authorization and Notification List We have updated our CarePlus Health Plans Prior Authorization and Notification List for CarePlus Medi
HumanaHumana D-SNP (FL)FLprior auth requiredJul 1, 2026H1036-280 Humana Fully Integrated Florida prior authorization and notification list
HumanaHumana D-SNP (IL)ILprior auth requiredJan 1, 2027Humana Dual Fully Integrated Illinois prior authorization and notification list
HumanaHumana D-SNP (IN)INprior auth requiredJan 1, 2027Humana PathWays Dual Care (HMO-POS D-SNP) prior authorization and notification list Important notes:
HumanaHumana D-SNP (MI)MIprior auth requiredOct 14, 2026Humana Dual Integrated (health maintenance organization Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (HMO D- SNP) Michigan prior authorization and notification list (PAL)
HumanaHumana D-SNP (SC)SCprior auth requiredJul 1, 2026Humana Dual Integrated South Carolina prior authorization and notification list
HumanaHumana D-SNP (VA)VAprior auth requiredJul 1, 2026Prior authorization and notification list Humana Dual Fully Integrated H2875-001 (Virginia) Humana Dual Fully Integrated H2875-003 (Virginia)
HumanaHumana Healthy HorizonsFLprior auth requiredJan 1, 2027Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida Prior Authorization and Notification List
HumanaHumana Healthy HorizonsKYprior auth requiredOct 7, 2026Humana Healthy Horizons in Kentucky Prior Authorization and Notification List
HumanaHumana Healthy HorizonsLAprior auth requiredOct 14, 2026Humana Healthy Horizons in Louisiana Prior Authorization and Notification List
HumanaHumana Healthy HorizonsOHprior auth requiredOct 14, 2026Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio prior authorization and notification List
HumanaHumana Healthy HorizonsOKprior auth requiredOct 14, 2026Humana Healthy Horizons in Oklahoma Prior Authorization and Notification List
HumanaHumana Healthy HorizonsSCprior auth requiredOct 14, 2026Humana Healthy Horizons in South Carolina prior authorization and notification list
HumanaHumana Healthy HorizonsVAprior auth requiredOct 14, 2026Humana Healthy Horizons in Virginia professionally administered medication prior authorization and notification list
HumanaHumana MA and D-SNPAllprior auth requiredJan 1, 2027Medicare Advantage and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans prior authorization and notification list Important notes:
Molina Complete Care (Virginia)MedicaidVAprior auth requiredApr 1, 2025Virginia Medicaid PA Code Matrix and Virginia code/benefit exceptions, effective Q2 2025
Molina Healthcare of CaliforniaMedicaidCAprior auth requiredApr 1, 2026Medicaid Prior Auth (PA) Code Matrix (California), effective Q2 2026
Molina Healthcare of IdahoMedicaidIDprior auth requiredJan 1, 2025Idaho Medicaid Prior Auth (PA) Code Matrix and Idaho code/benefit exceptions, Q1 2025
Molina Healthcare of IllinoisMedicaidILprior auth requiredJan 1, 2022Molina Healthcare of Illinois Codification Grid Q3 2026
Molina Healthcare of IowaMedicaidIAprior auth requiredJul 1, 2023IA Prior Authorization Matrix, effective Q3 2023
Molina Healthcare of MichiganMedicare AdvantageMIprior auth requiredJul 1, 2026Molina Healthcare of Michigan PA Matrix 2026-Q3
Molina Healthcare of MichiganMedicaidMIprior auth requiredJul 1, 2026Molina Healthcare of Michigan PA Matrix 2026-Q3
Molina Healthcare of MississippiMedicaidMSprior auth requiredJan 1, 2025Mississippi Medicaid Prior Auth (PA) Code Matrix and exceptions, effective Q1 2025
Molina Healthcare of NevadaMedicaidNVprior auth requiredOct 1, 2022Medicaid Prior Auth (PA) Code Matrix, effective Q4 2022
Molina Healthcare of OhioMedicaid and MyCare Ohio (MMP) MedicaidOHprior auth requiredOct 1, 2023Molina Healthcare of Ohio Prior Authorization (PA) Code List, effective 2023-10-01
Molina Healthcare of OhioMedicare and MyCare Ohio (MMP) MedicareOHprior auth requiredOct 1, 2023Molina Healthcare of Ohio Prior Authorization (PA) Code List, effective 2023-10-01
Molina Healthcare of OhioExchangeOHprior auth requiredOct 1, 2023Molina Healthcare of Ohio Prior Authorization (PA) Code List, effective 2023-10-01
Molina Healthcare of TexasOutpatient drug services (medical benefit)TXprior auth requiredFeb 1, 2023Medicaid Prior Authorization (PA) Code Matrix for Outpatient Drug Services (Texas), 2026-08
Molina Healthcare of TexasSTARTXprior auth requiredFeb 19, 2025Molina Healthcare of Texas Prior Authorization Annual Review Report (STAR), reviewed 2025-02-19
Molina Healthcare of TexasSTAR+PLUSTXprior auth requiredFeb 19, 2025Molina Healthcare of Texas Prior Authorization Annual Review Report (STAR+PLUS), reviewed 2025-02-19
Molina Healthcare of TexasExchangeTXprior auth requiredJul 1, 2022Marketplace Prior Authorization (PA) Code Matrix (Texas), effective July 1, 2026
Molina Healthcare of UtahMedicaidUTprior auth requiredJan 1, 2025Utah Medicaid Prior Auth (PA) Code Matrix and Utah code/benefit exceptions, Q1 2025
Passport by Molina Healthcare (Kentucky)MedicaidKYprior auth requiredJul 1, 2026Kentucky Medicaid Prior Auth (PA) Code Matrix and Kentucky PA Code Exceptions, effective Q3 2026
Neighborhood Health PartnershipNeighborhood Health PartnershipFLprior auth requiredSep 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for Neighborhood Health Partnership Effective September 1, 2026
Oxford Health PlansOxford Health PlansAllprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior Authorization Requirements for Oxford Effective October 1, 2026
Rocky Mountain Health PlansRocky Mountain Health Plans CHP+COprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Plan - prior authorization Effective October 1, 2026
Rocky Mountain Health PlansRocky Mountain Health Plans Prime / RAECOprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Rocky Mountain Health Plans PRIME Effective October 1, 2026
Rocky Mountain Health PlansRocky Mountain Medicare Advantage D-SNPCOprior auth requiredFeb 1, 2025Rocky Mountain Health Plans Medicare Advantage Dual-Special Needs Plans – prior authorization Effective February 1, 2025
SurestSurest health plansAllprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior Authorization Requirements for Surest Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcarePreferred Care Network and Preferred Care Partners of FloridaFLprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for Preferred Care Network and Preferred Care Partners of Florida Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare CommercialAllprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare commercial plans Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare Complete (Individual & Family plans)Allprior auth requiredSep 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Complete Effective September 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange plansAllprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange plans Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage, Peoples Health and Dual Complete (D-SNP)Allprior auth requiredExcluded plans: for therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals: UHC Nursing Home Plan and UHC Care Advantage Plan (I-SNP)Oct 1, 2026UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage/ Peoples Health Plans prior authorization requirements Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic Health PlansAllprior auth under conditionsIf prior authorization requirements for the drug aren’t met, UnitedHealthcare will call the health care professional’s office within 3 days.Oct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic Health Plans Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare of the River ValleyAllprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare of the River Valley Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanAHCCCS Complete Care (ACC)AZprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for AHCCCS Complete Care (ACC) Medicaid effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanALTCS Developmentally DisabledAZprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for Arizona Developmental Disabilities Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanALTCS Long Term CareAZprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for Arizona Long Term Care Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanIndiana Hoosier Care ConnectINprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for Indiana Hoosier Care Connect Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanIndiana PathWays for Aging (MLTSS)INprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for Indiana MLTSS Pathways Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanLouisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana)LAprior auth requiredJan 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMaryland HealthChoiceMDprior auth requiredSep 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Maryland Effective September 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMassachusetts OneCareMAprior auth requiredNov 1, 2025Prior authorization requirements for Massachusetts OneCare Effective November 1, 2025
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMassachusetts Senior Care Options (SCO)MAprior auth requiredNov 1, 2025CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Prior authorization requirements for Massachusetts Senior Care Options Effective November 1, 2025
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMassachusetts Senior Care Options (SCO) and OneCareMAprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for Massachusetts MA SCO OneCare Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMichigan Medicaid, Healthy Michigan Plan, CSHCSMIprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Michigan, Healthy Michigan Plan and Children’s Special Health Care Services Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMinnesota Metro MedicaidMNprior auth requiredOct 1, 2024Prior authorization requirements for Minnesota Medicaid Effective October 1, 2024
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMississippi CHIPMSprior auth requiredApr 1, 2025Prior authorization requirements for Mississippi Children’s Health Insurance Program Effective Apr. 1, 2025
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanMississippiCANMSprior auth requiredApr 1, 2025Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi – Mississippi Coordinated Access Network (MississippiCAN) Effective Apr. 1, 2025
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanNebraska Heritage HealthNEprior auth requiredJul 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Nebraska Effective July 1, 2026 General Information This list contains prior authorization requirements for participating United
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanNew Jersey FamilyCareNJprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Jersey Effective October 1, 2026 General Information This list contains prior authorization requirements for participating U
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanNew Mexico Turquoise CareNMprior auth requiredOct 1, 2026Prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico Effective October 1, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Community PlanOhio MedicaidOHprior auth requiredNov 1, 2025Prior authorization requirements for Ohio Medicaid Effective November 1, 2025 General Information This list contains prior authorization requirements for participating UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Payer coverage policies that name J0491

J0491 appears in 17 coverage policies from Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, Centene, Cigna, Health Care Service Corporation (BCBS IL, TX, OK, NM, MT), Premera Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

PayerPolicyRole in policyReviewedDocument
AetnaAnifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo) (0997)covered if criteria are metJun 5, 2026payer document
AetnaInjectable Medications (0020)listed, no stance (range J0278-J2543)Mar 5, 2026payer document
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiLupus Nephritis Ln (S.5.01.507)not coveredpayer document
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiLupus Nephritis Ln (L.5.01.507)not coveredpayer document
CenteneAnifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo) (CP.PHAR.551)covered if criteria are metNov 1, 2025payer document
CignaLupus - Saphnelo Intravenous (IP0280)covered if criteria are metJul 15, 2026payer document
Health Care Service Corporation (BCBS IL, TX, OK, NM, MT)Anifrolumab-fnia (RX501.138)listed, no stanceApr 1, 2026payer document
Health Care Service Corporation (BCBS IL, TX, OK, NM, MT)Specialty Medication Administration Site of Care
HCPCS Codes J0129, J0174, J0175, J0180, J0218, J0219, J0221, J0222, J0223, J0224,
listed, no stanceJan 1, 2026payer document
Premera Blue Cross(effective November 6, 2026) Site of Service: Drugs and Biologic Agents
Page | 8 of 19 | ∞
listed, no stanceJul 14, 2026payer document
Premera Blue CrossPharmacotherapy of Miscellaneous Autoimmune Diseases (5.01.564)
Page | 39 of 85 | ∞
listed, no stanceSep 8, 2026payer document
Premera Blue CrossSite of Service: Drugs and Biologic Agents
Page | 8 of 18 | ∞
listed, no stanceJul 14, 2026payer document
UnitedHealthcareMedicare Part B Step Therapy Programs (IAP.001.30)
Non-Preferred
listed, no stanceJul 1, 2026payer document
UnitedHealthcareProvider Administered Drugs – Site of Care (2026D0121W)listed, no stanceSep 1, 2026payer document
UnitedHealthcareSaphnelo® (Anifrolumab-Fnia) (CS2026D0109N)listed, no stanceJul 1, 2026payer document
UnitedHealthcareSaphnelo® (Anifrolumab-Fnia) (2026D0109I)listed, no stanceJul 1, 2026payer document
UnitedHealthcareSaphnelo® (Anifrolumab-Fnia) (for Ohio Only) (CSOH2025D0109.C)listed, no stanceAug 1, 2025payer document
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldSaphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia) (05.04.43)listed, no stanceJun 1, 2026payer document

Recent prior-auth changes

  • Oct 14, 2026: PA removed, Humana
  • Aug 1, 2026: PA added, Molina Healthcare of Texas
  • Aug 1, 2026: PA added, Humana
  • Jan 1, 2026: conditions changed, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • Jan 1, 2026: PA added, Molina Healthcare of Michigan
  • Nov 1, 2025: PA added, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
  • Nov 1, 2025: PA added, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • Nov 1, 2025: PA added, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
  • Feb 19, 2025: PA added, Molina Healthcare of Texas
  • Feb 19, 2025: PA added, Molina Healthcare of Texas

Medicaid fee-for-service

Prior authorization required or conditional in CO, VA, VT, WA.

  • AZ: $17.42 (asc), effective Oct 1, 2026
  • FL: $300.00 (physician_administered_drugs), effective Jan 1, 2026
  • IL: $17.81 (practitioner), effective Apr 1, 2026
  • IN: $16.43 (professional, Advanced Practice Nurse (85%), non-facility), effective Apr 1, 2026
  • KS: $18.46 (asc, facility), effective Oct 1, 2026
  • KY: $18.34 (asc), effective Jan 1, 2026
  • MS: $14.48 (comprehensive, facility), effective Oct 1, 2025
  • NE: $18.50 (injectables), effective Jul 1, 2026
  • OH: $18.51 (provider_administered_drugs), effective Jul 1, 2026
  • OK: $18.51 (physician, non-facility), effective Jul 1, 2026
  • TX: $18.34 (nurse_practitioner_clinical_nurse_specialist, Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist, non-facility), effective Sep 1, 2026
  • VA: $18.50 (medical), effective Jul 1, 2026
  • VT: $13.74 (outpatient_hospital_opps), effective Feb 1, 2026
  • WA: $18.51 (professional_administered_drugs), effective Jul 1, 2026
  • WY: $7.93 (outpatient_hospital_apc, Ambulatory Surgical Centers), effective Apr 1, 2026

From payers' published prior-auth lists, coverage policies and state Medicaid fee schedules, updated Oct 16, 2026. The role is what the policy's own code table or text says about the code. Not a guarantee of coverage or payment; verify with the payer. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.