On and after Jan. 1, 2011, if you are already taking one or more long-term medications, or if you receive a new prescription for a long-term medication, you may fill each of your prescription twice at a network retail pharmacy, subject to the applicable Health Plan retail copayment. All subsequent prescriptions for each long-term medication, however, must be filled through Medco Pharmacy. If you continue to purchase a long-term medication at a network retail pharmacy after the first two fills at the retail pharmacy, you will pay the entire cost of those drugs.
All short-term prescriptions, such as antibiotics, should continue to be filled at a network retail pharmacy. Also, certain compound medications cannot be delivered through the mail, and therefore cannot be filled through Medco Pharmacy. If a long-term drug is not available from Medco Pharmacy, the prescription may continue to be filled at a network retail pharmacy, subject to the applicable Health Plan retail co-payment. If you have any questions concerning whether your medications are “long-term drugs” subject to these requirements, please contact Medco toll-free at (800) 903-8343.
Learn more about Medco Pharmacy and your prescription drug benefits with the following Frequently Asked Questions and answers, and refer to the
September 2010 Benefits Update for complete details.
Medco Pharmacy FAQs
How do I fill a prescription through Medco Pharmacy?
For any medications to be taken for three months or longer, ask your physician to write a 90-day prescription (plus refills up to one year, if appropriate). You may fill this prescription in one of two ways:
- Mail a completed mail order form, which will be included in an introductory mailing from Medco later this year and also is available at www.medco.com (after registering with the site, under the “Prescriptions & benefits” heading on the left menu, select “Forms & cards” and then “Print a mail order form by clicking here”); or
- Provide your physician with your H&R Funds No. (labeled as ID No. on your Prescription Drug ID card) and ask him or her to call Medco at (888) 327-9791 for faxing instructions. Your medication will usually arrive within eight days after Medco receives your order, and you will be billed later.
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What will it cost to fill prescriptions through Medco Pharmacy, and how do I pay?
Co-payments for Medco Pharmacy, which remain unchanged, are as follows:
- For generic drugs (up to a 90-day supply) ... $30
- For brand name drugs without a generic equivalent available (up to a 90-day supply) ... 25% of the total cost, with a $150 maximum per prescription.
- For brand name drugs with a generic equivalent available (up to a 90-day supply) ... 25% of the total cost, with a maximum of $150 per prescription, plus the entire difference in cost between the brand name and generic drug. Prescription drug copayments may be paid to Medco Pharmacy online with a credit card or by mail with a check or money order. There is no additional charge for standard shipping.
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How will I receive my medications?
Up to a 90-day supply of your medication will be sent directly to you by the mail.
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How do I request refills?
E-mail reminders are sent by Medco to participants (who provide an e-mail address when registering with Medco’s site) before a refill is due. Participants may refill maintenance medications by mail order form or at www.medco.com (one-time registration at the site is required). Refills can also be requested by calling (800) 473-3455 (800 4REFILL).
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If I lose my medication or need an early refill, what should I do?
The AFTRA Health Plan's prescription drug benefit has an “early refill option” that allows you to order prescriptions in advance for the normal supply allowed. If you need a prescription refilled early due to special circumstances (such as losing your medication or going on vacation), contact Medco at (800) 903-8343.
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