In This Issue
Ways to Save on Your Medications
My Rx Choices
Save Money with OTC Heartburn Medications
Pharmacy Member Tip
Medication Adherence
Ways to Save on Your Medications
 
We want to help you better understand your pharmacy benefits so that you can make the best health care choices and get the most from your pharmacy coverage.
 
There are many ways to save money on your medications.  By clearly understanding your pharmacy benefits, you will be able to talk to your health care provider about the best medication options for you.  Two simple ways for you to save money on your medications are: replacing brand name prescriptions with generic alternatives and using over-the-counter (OTC) medications instead of prescription medications.
 
Click here for the "Ways to Save" section of our Web site.
 
My Rx Choices®
State Health Plan members have access to My Rx Choices, a powerful tool to help you save money on your prescription drug costs.
 
The link above will take you to  the Medco Web site, where you can register to access My Rx Choices, and begin looking for lower-cost alternatives to your prescription medications.

 
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Issue: 1 Spring 2010
Electronic Edition of PharmacyWise 

pharmacy newsletterWelcome to the first electronic edition of PharmacyWise, a newsletter for State Health Plan members highlighting information about your pharmacy benefits.  Complementing the December print edition of PharmacyWise, this electronic version will be published in the spring, summer and fall.
 
The focus of our new e-newsletter will be to help you better understand your pharmacy benefits, with a focus on medication adherence, safety and ways to save money on your prescription medications.  PharmacyWise will also include updates on your pharmacy benefits, including new programs and reminders of ongoing pharmacy programs.  

Members receiving Member Focus, the State Health Plan's monthly e-newsletter will automatically receive PharmacyWise.  We look forward to meeting your requests for more information about your pharmacy benefits.
 
Save Money with OTC Heartburn Medications
 woman smilingOTC Heartburn Medications Covered with a $5 Copay

Many expensive prescription heartburn medications have recently become available in over-the-counter (OTC) versions.  The State Health Plan covers these OTC versions through your pharmacy benefit with a copay of only $5.  Using one of the low cost OTC heartburn medications can save you $50 a month. The OTC products contain the same active ingredients and are as strong, safe and effective as the prescription products.  
 
The OTC heartburn medications currently covered for a $5 copay include: 
▪   Prilosec OTC® (omeprazole 20mg)
▪   Prevacid® 24HR 
▪   Generic Omeprazole OTC

In April 2010, Zegerid® (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) 20mg capsules (called Zegerid OTC™) became available as an over-the-counter product.  Beginning June 1, 2010, Zegerid OTC will also be covered by the pharmacy benefit.
 
A prescription is required for members to purchase the OTC products for the $5 copay.  The OTC products do not have the same prior authorization requirements and quantity limits as the more costly prescription-only alternatives in the same drug class.  
 
Click here for a flier with details on the OTC heartburn medication program.
 
Prescription Zegerid 20mg capsules with OTC Equivalent No Longer Covered
As of June 1, 2010, prescription Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) 20mg capsules will only be covered as the Zegerid OTC product.  Prescription brand Zegerid 20mg capsules will no longer be covered under the pharmacy benefit because the same formulation is now available as an OTC product. The OTC equivalent is a more cost effective option for members.
 
Pharmacy Member Tip
pills with pad photoDiscount Prescription Programs Can Help You Save Even More on Generic Medications 
 
You have probably seen the ads for discount generic prescriptions at many pharmacy retailers.  Did you know that as a State Health Plan member you can take advantage of these programs to save even more money on your generic prescriptions?  You may be able to get a three-month supply of your medication for as low as $10!

Many national and local retail pharmacies offer generics at discounted prices. Most of the lower cost prescription programs offer generic medications at $4 for a one-month supply or $10 for a three-month supply.  Each pharmacy has a unique program with different generic medications included at the discounted price. 

Medco also offers State Health Plan members lower cost generics on a mail-order basis. Medco's mail-order pharmacy has more than 400 generics at $10 or less for a 90-day supply, with free shipping.

It is important to check the list of discounted generics at each pharmacy to see if the generic you take is included. The lists are continually updated, so be sure to check back periodically if you take a newer generic.

Click here for a list of pharmacies with discount generic programs, including a link to their Web sites, where you can find specific program information and a list of the discounted generics covered.
 
Medication Adherence 
Taking Your Medicine as Directed Is the Best Way to Get Well and Stay Healthy
 

Medication adherence means taking your medicine exactly as directed by your provider, and it can be difficult--especially for members with chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. It is estimated that up to 50% of those with a chronic disease do not take their medications as prescribed.  This might mean that they skip doses, do not refill prescriptions immediately, or simply stop taking their medications because of inconvenience or cost.

 

Whether you have a chronic condition or a short-term ailment like bronchitis, taking your medicine as directed is the best way to get well and stay healthy. Changing the way you take your medication--or stopping it altogether--is something you should do only with the approval of your doctor.  

 

There are several effective ways to improve medication adherence:

   1. Follow the instructions that appear on the medicine label.

   2. Take your medication at the same time every day.

   3. Get your prescriptions refilled promptly.

   4. Use cost-effective medications and always ask for generics.

 

Click here for a short video about the importance of taking your medications as directed.  Be sure to scroll down until you see the video player.