| Happy, Healthy Holidays |
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 We at the State Health Plan would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season. |
| 2010 Preferred Drug List and PharmacyWise Newsletter |
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Look for the 2010 Preferred Drug List (PDL) and  Pharmacy Wise, the State Health Plan's yearly pharmacy newsletter. Both publications were mailed to members in early December. The Preferred Drug List includes commonly prescribed brand name and generic medications and lists the copay amounts for each. It is designed to help you better understand your choices and make informed decisions regarding your medications. The PDL is updated on a quarterly basis. To view a complete, up-to-date Preferred Drug List at any time, click here. You may also call Medco Member Services at 1-800-336-5933 for specific questions regarding the Preferred Drug List. PharmacyWise provides valuable pharmacy benefit information and cost-saving tips. It also highlights the tools and resources available to support the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative. |
| Enhanced Benefits for Tobacco Cessation |
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 The State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees is implementing the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative (CWI), to address tobacco use and obesity in our member population. This initiative will be effective July 1, 2010, with the tobacco cessation component. As part of the enhanced tobacco cessation supports for the CWI, beginning on January 1, 2010, the Plan will offer free over-the-counter Generic Nicotine Replacement Therapy patches to members through the NC Tobacco Use Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Click here to read more. |
| Member Tip of the Month |
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2010 Preferred Drug List
 Recently, State Health Plan Member Joanne received her 2010 Preferred Drug List (PDL) in the mail. Joanne had seen her pharmacy out-of-pocket costs increase over the last few months for her brand name cholesterol and blood pressure medications. She was concerned that the high cost could prohibit her from taking her medications as prescribed. Joanne decided to take the PDL pamphlet with her to her next doctor's visit to discuss more affordable options. During that visit, Joanne and her doctor talked about generic and preferred brand alternatives. Her doctor was able to put her on a more affordable regimen using generics and preferred brand prescriptions that allow her to adhere to her medication regimen.
Click here to continue reading. |
| Use an OTC and Be Heartburn Free |
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Do you suffer from heartburn and take a prescription to control your symptoms? Would you like to save money on your heartburn medications?
GOOD NEWS: The State Health Plan covers over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medications for only $5 for a 42-day supply. If you try an OTC heartburn medication, you could save $50 per month off the $55 copay for a brand name prescription. That's a savings of $600 per year!
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| Nutritional Visits a New Covered Benefit |
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 The State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees is implementing the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative (CWI) to address tobacco use and obesity in our member population. As part of enhanced supports for the CWI, beginning January 1, 2010, the Plan will provide coverage for four (4) nutritional visits for all members per benefit period. Coverage includes nutritional visits with a licensed dietitian or physician. In-network office-based nutritional visits will be covered at the primary care copay.
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