US Medical Term · medicines
Drug Formulary
Formulario de Medicamentos
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Drug Formulary |
| Spanish (Español) | Formulario de Medicamentos |
| Chinese (中文) | 药品目录 |
| Korean (한국어) | 의약품 목록 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Danh sách thuốc được bảo hiểm |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Drug Formulary |
| Portuguese (Português) | Formulário de Medicamentos |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | บัญชียาที่ครอบคลุม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 処方薬リスト |
What it means
A drug formulary is a list of prescription medications covered by a health insurance plan. Formularies are organized into tiers, typically ranging from Tier 1 (generic, lowest cost) to Tier 4 or 5 (specialty drugs, highest cost). Drugs not on the formulary require an exception or prior authorization. Formularies change annually and sometimes mid-year; patients should verify their medications are covered before enrolling in a plan or filling a new prescription. Generic substitutes are often available for off-formulary drugs.
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: prescriptions generics and discount programsSources
Last reviewed: September 2026