ODS is thrilled to announce the release of our brand new ID cards. In addition to changing the look and material of the card, soon ODS OEBB members will be able to download a digital version of the ODS mobile ID card, either as a PDF or as a smartphone app. With these new digital formats, ID cards will always be right at OEBB members' fingertips.

In addition to updating the look of the card, we've also updated its size. Major changes to the new ODS ID card include:

• Switched to a new two-sided card design
• Eliminated benefit information and copay/coinsurance amounts
• Produced the cards using Teslin, a 100 percent recyclable and more durable material

Information on the card still includes:

• Customer service phone numbers
• All available networks
• Subscriber ID, name, group number and PIN code (for the ODS ID card app)

OEBB entities will be transitioned to new ID cards in phases over the next two months, with an expected completion date of early June 2012.  Once the transition is complete, further information will be sent out on how to access the ID card through myODS and the smartphone app.   

To see our new cards and browse member FAQs, please visit the ODS website.

Pharmacy network updates 

As of April 1, 2012, BioScrip no longer provides specialty, mail-order or retail services through the NW Prescription Drug Consortium network available with ODS for the Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB) members. BioScrip has recently chosen to focus on other areas of its business and will be discontinuing these services.

ODS has selected Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy (Diplomat) to provide specialty pharmacy services to OEBB members. Mail-order will continue to be offered through Postal Prescription Services (PPS).

Specialty pharmacy transition  

Diplomat has attempted to call members who obtained specialty medications using the phone number on file with BioScrip. If you have not received a phone call and believe you should have or if you would like to begin the enrollment process, please contact Diplomat customer service.

Diplomat customer service: 877-534-7566

Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.- 8 p.m. Pacific Time 

Saturday, 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. Pacific Time 

Mail-order transition

If you are filling nonspecialty medications from BioScrip mail-order pharmacy and you would like to continue using your mail-order benefit, please contact PPS. PPS will work with BioScrip or your physician to transfer your prescription. If you would like to continue to use your mail-order benefit, we encourage you to register with PPS as soon as possible by downloading a registration form at www.ppsrx.com, then completing and mailing it to PPS or by calling PPS. 

PPS customer service: 800-552-6694

Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. Pacific Time 

Saturday, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Pacific Time 

If you prefer to purchase your nonspecialty medications from a retail pharmacy, please request that the pharmacy contact your physician to obtain a new prescription. Participating retail pharmacies can be located through our Find Care tool. If you are searching for pharmacies using our Guest Search function, please search under the NW Prescription Drug Consortium network.

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month  

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to health problems, including alcohol poisoning, accidental injuries and an increased risk of heart disease. This April, during Alcohol Awareness Month, ODS encourages you to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse.  

If you are concerned about your drinking, you can improve your health by cutting back or quitting. Keep track of how much you drink, avoid places where overdrinking occurs and find new ways to deal with stress. If you find it hard to cut back or quit, treatment may help. If you are concerned about someone else's drinking, offer to help.

If you're an ODS member with medical coverage and you have questions about drug and alcohol treatment, the ODS Behavioral Health program can help. For more information about mental health or alcohol and drug services, please call 503-382-5323 or toll-free 877-796-3223, or email us at  behavioralhealth@odscompanies.com.

ODS is committed to providing you with the best and most convenient coverage. We are pleased to announce a change to OEBB HSA-compatible Plan 9 that will allow you to receive your pharmacy benefit at the time you fill your prescriptions.

This change, effective April 2012, means you will no longer have to wait for reimbursement from ODS. Instead, your benefits will process immediately at the participating pharmacy. The only out-of-pocket costs you'll pay will be related to deductibles and coinsurance.

We made this change as a result of your valued feedback and also to make it easier for you to access healthcare. We understand that there will be some changes in how you fill prescriptions, and we are dedicated to helping you transition to this new process. All claims will process according to the limitations described within the Member Handbook.

Changes for Plan 9 members:

• Some medications may require a prior authorization before the benefit can be applied and the medication filled.
• If a brand-name drug is dispensed when a generic equivalent is available, you may be responsible for paying the difference in cost between the generic and brand-name drug.
• The participating pharmacy should be able to coordinate benefits for you at the pharmacy. Members with dual ODS coverage may experience a change in how secondary claims are processed. If the pharmacy does not have the ability to coordinate benefits, members may submit a Prescription Drug Claim Form to ODS.

ODS is committed to helping you successfully transition to the enhanced Plan 9. A letter explaining the enhancement and changes as outlined has been mailed to impacted members. Additional information on ODS pharmacy coverage can be found on our website.