Preferred Medication List
Creighton is committed to offering a progressive prescription drug benefit designed to meet the needs of participants, promote the safe and effective use of medications, and proactively manage costs for both participants and the University. After looking at best practices and other time tested pharmacy management programs, we are announcing a change to the prescription drug benefit effective January 1, 2010, affecting those enrolled in the PPO 1 or PPO2 medical plans. Since most of you already use generic medications, the new three tiered benefit will have no impact. However, if you are taking a non-generic medication, or are unsure, you will want to search the Preferred Medication List to understand if this change affects you.
- Preferred Medication List Lunch & Learn Presentation (voice recorded slide presentation; length: 10 minutes)(click View > Start slideshow to run the slideshow presentation)
- One on One Rx Counseling
What is a "Preferred Medication List"?
A preferred medication list is a list of medications that can help you and your physician maximize your plan benefits while minimizing overall prescription drug costs to you or your medical plan. Preferred medication lists play a role in helping to keep drugs affordable by reminding health care providers and patients that there often are many equally effective choices among medications, while also promoting the use of the less expensive yet clinically appropriate alternatives.
What are the three tiers on the Walgreens Health Initiatives Preferred Medication List?
Tier 1 - Generics - Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name equivalents and offer the same safety and efficacy. Generally, generic medications are the least expensive and offer the best value for your healthcare. If you are taking generics today, the new preferred medication list will not affect you.
Tier 2 - Preferred Medications - Medications in this tier have been selected as preferred brand drugs based on their safety and effectiveness. These medications do not have a generic equivalent, but are equally effective and less expensive than comparable agents on Tier 3. They have higher copays than generics but are less costly than non-preferred medications.
Tier 3 - Non-preferred Medications - Medications in this tier have a generic equivalent or equally effective alternative available on Tier 2. Please be aware that you may always choose to receive a medication on Tier 3, by you will have a higher out-of-pocket expense.
What will prescriptions cost after January 1, 2010?
The basics of the current prescription drug benefit will remain the same. Out-of-pocket cost will be determined based on the tier in which a medication is covered.
CUMC | Other Pharmacies | |
|---|---|---|
30 Day Supply | ||
Tier 1 - Generic | $7.50 | $10.00 |
Tier 2 - Preferred Brand | 25% ($75 max) | 30% ($75 max) |
Tier 3 - Non-preferred Brand | 35% ($100 max) | 40% ($100 max) |
90 Day Supply | ||
Tier 1 - Generic | $17.50 | $25.00 |
Tier 2 - Preferred Brand | 25% ($225 max) | 30% ($225 max) |
Tier 3 - Non-preferred Brand | 35% ($300 max) | 40% ($300 max) |
How do I find out which tier my medications are under?
Go to www.mywhi.com, under My Benefit Plan, and click on Search Preferred Drugs. There you can enter the name of your medication and see which tier it falls under. If you are currently taking a medication that will fall under Tier 3, WHI will be contacting you directly via a letter mailed to your home providing advice and counsel on medication alternatives. Please take this letter to your physician and discuss your options. You may want to print the Preferred Medication List and take it with you when visiting your health care provider.
How will I know if this change affects me?
If you are taking generics today, your cost will not change. In September, letters will be sent by WHI to plan participants who are at that time shown to be taking a medication that will fall under Tier 3 after January 1st. The letter will show the medication name and suggest alternative medications covered under the Preferred Medication List as Tier 1 or 2. This letter should be shared with your health care provider before January 1st to facilitate a discussion on the possible use of the alternative medications based on your medical needs. If you are taking generics today, the new preferred medication list will not affect you.
How are drugs selected for the Walgreens Health Initiatives Preferred Medication List?
Drugs listed have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as safe and effective, and have been selected by WHI (Walgreens Health Initiative), our Pharmacy Benefit Manager, for the Preferred Medication List by a committee of physicians and pharmacists. Together they review the safety and effectiveness of medications, review data on new and existing drugs, and recommend changes to the Preferred Medication List. Human Resources, in partnership with experts from Creighton Medical Associates and the Creighton School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, will monitor the Preferred Medication List to ensure best outcomes that align with our strategy of good consumerism.
Where can I learn more?
To assist with the transition, Human Resources, along with the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, are working together to answer your questions. A variety of opportunities to learn more about the Preferred Medication List and how it could impact what you spend for prescription drugs will be offered. Mark your calendar and plan to attend one of the following events:
Date | Time | Room | |
|---|---|---|---|
Lunch and Learn* | 09/16/2009 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Skutt Student Center, Room 104 |
Lunch and Learn* | 09/22/2009 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Harper Center, Room 3027 |
Town Hall Meeting | 10/01/2009 | 08:00 a.m.-09:00 a.m. | CUMC, Morrison Seminar Room |
*Please plan to bring your lunch to the Lunch and Learn sessions. Drinks (water and lemonade) and cookies will be provided.
Or, go to www.mywhi.com for resources, tools, and answers to your questions. Learn more about your medication, sear the Preferred Medication List, view your prescription history, or print your ID card. You can also call WHI Customer Care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-207-2568 and speak to a knowledgeable pharmacy representative who has access to the Preferred Medication List and can answer your questions.
Also, the Creighton Community is lucky to a have an onsite pharmacy with pharmacists ready to answer your questions. Go to the CUMC Pharmacy website at http://cumcpharmacy.creighton.edu to learn more or give them a call at 402-449-4560.