Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug coverage is included in your medical plan.
Your cost to fill a prescription depends on three things:
- Which health care plan you are enrolled in
- The tier your drug is in (generic, preferred brand, non-preferred brand or specialty)
- Whether you obtain the drug at a retail pharmacy or through mail order
Understanding Prescription Drug Tiers
- Generic: In most cases, your cost is lowest when you select a drug from this tier. A generic is an affordable and effective alternative to a brand name drug.
- Preferred brand drugs: Drugs in this tier typically cost more than generics but less than other brand-name drugs because of their preferred status. Preferred brand drugs are chosen for their clinical value and cost-effectiveness.
- Non-preferred brand name drugs: Drugs in this tier are covered under the plan but cost more than a preferred brand drug would.
Retail vs. Mail Order Prescriptions
Typically, retail pharmacies are used for filling 30-day prescriptions. However, you may be able to order a 90-day supply of maintenance medications — either at a retail pharmacy or through mail order.
The advantage to using mail order for 90-day prescriptions is convenience—your prescription is delivered to your door with an auto-refill option. Plus, if you are enrolled in the PPO medical plan, you can receive a discount for using the mail order service!
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