What is a distinguishing feature of an open formulary?

An open formulary is characterized by its flexibility in allowing plan enrollees access to any covered prescription drug without stringent restrictions on which medications can be obtained. This means that beneficiaries can fill prescriptions for a wide array of medications, including those that might typically be excluded or subject to more limiting criteria in a closed formulary system. The aim of an open formulary is to improve patient care by ensuring that the necessary medications, regardless of their cost or formulary status, are accessible to members.

In contrast, options that suggest limiting coverage—such as focusing only on the least expensive drugs or restricting access to non-formulary drugs—misrepresent the nature of an open formulary. Additionally, while discounts may apply in various contexts, the feature of providing automatic discounts on all medications does not accurately portray what defines an open formulary. Thus, the notion of unrestricted access to a wide range of covered drugs is the cornerstone of an open formulary.