Using
Mail Service Pharmacy Saves $$
Recent negotiated changes in the Empire Plan Prescription Drug program have
motivated many enrollees to consider using the Express Scripts mail service
pharmacy for long-term medications. The following are frequently asked questions
about the mail service pharmacy. Click on any question below and you will
immediately see the answer.
Q:
Why should I use the mail service pharmacy to fill a prescription?
Q:
How much will switching to mail service save the plan?
Q:
I’ve been getting my maintenance medication(s) at a retail pharmacy. What
do I need to do to transfer my prescription(s) to the mail service pharmacy?
Q:
My doctor is going to prescribe a new maintenance medication. Is there
anything special I should do to fill it through the mail service pharmacy?
Q:
How long will I have to wait to receive my prescription?
Q:
Can
my doctor call in or fax a prescription to the mail service pharmacy?
Q:
What should I do if I have a question about the medication after I
receive it?
Q:
How do I order refills?
Q:
I’m concerned about the safety and reliability of the mail service
pharmacy.
Q:
I’m worried about Internet security. How do I know the Express Scripts
web site is secure?
Q:
Is there a way to check the status of an order?
Q:
I’m concerned that my medication may be affected by temperature
extremes if it sits in my mailbox all day while I’m at work.
Q:
Can prescriptions for controlled substance medications be filled by the
mail service pharmacy?
Q:
Why should I use the mail service pharmacy to fill a prescription?
A:
Advantages include lower copays (see table below), convenience of home
delivery, and lower pharmacy costs to the Empire Plan through drug discounts and
waiver of dispensing and claims administration fees. When plan costs are
reduced, it means lower premium increases the following year.
|
Drug
Category
|
30
Day Supply Pharmacy or Mail Service
|
31-90
Day Supply Mail Service
|
31-90
Day Supply Pharmacy
|
|
Generic
|
$5
|
$5
|
$10
|
|
Preferred
|
$15
|
$20
|
$30
|
|
Non-preferred
|
$30
|
$55
|
$60
|
Q:
How much will switching to mail service save the plan?
A:
It is estimated that plan-wide savings from enrollees switching to mail
service will be about $16 million in the first year. The savings from all the
changes made to the prescription drug program are estimated to be $90 million in
the first year.
Q:
I’ve been getting my maintenance medication(s) at a retail pharmacy. What
do I need to do to transfer my prescription(s) to the mail service pharmacy?
A:
The easiest way to transfer a prescription for a maintenance medication
is to use the Express Scripts web site or call the Express Scripts Member Choice
Center (MCC). Members can go to www.express-scripts.com
and log on, then choose "Change To Mail Service" and follow the
prompts. Members may also call the
MCC at 1-866-745-8597 to initiate the process.
Express Scripts will then call the prescribing physician and ask for a
new prescription.
Q:
My doctor is going to prescribe a new maintenance medication. Is there
anything special I should do to fill it through the mail service pharmacy?
A:
If you need to start taking the new medication right away, ask your
doctor for two prescriptions. Fill one immediately at a local participating
retail pharmacy. Once you are certain you can tolerate the medication, use a
mail service envelope to submit the other prescription to Express Scripts’
Mail Service Pharmacy for a 90-day supply. You may request a mail service
envelope by calling toll-free 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and selecting
Express Scripts. Complete the “Patient Profile Questionnaire” section of the
mail service envelope. Mail the prescription and applicable copayment, which may
be made by check, money order, credit card or debit card (with a MasterCard or
Visa logo) in the envelope to Express Scripts.
Q:
How long will I have to wait to receive my prescription?
A:
You should allow up to 14 days from the date you mail the envelope until
you receive your order. Orders are shipped via first class mail at no cost to
you. Express delivery is available for an additional charge ($12-$20). If the
medication requires special handling, such as refrigeration, it will be shipped
next-day delivery or overnight at no cost to you.
Q:
Can
my doctor call in or fax a prescription to the mail service pharmacy?
A:
A prescription can be faxed from your doctor’s office by completing and
printing a prescription order form at the Express Scripts web site (www.express-scripts.com).
You must register at the site, and then click on the link under Mail Service for
Fill a New Prescription. The Fill a New Prescription page has a link enabling
you to complete and print a prescription order form, which has the fax number
for your doctor’s office. Express Scripts will send you an invoice with your
medication indicating the copay amount you must send them.
Q:
What should I do if I have a question about the medication after I
receive it?
A:
Pharmacists are available to answer questions 24 hours a day by calling
toll free 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and selecting Express Scripts.
Q:
How do I order refills?
A:
Refills may be ordered over the phone by using Express Scripts’
automated voice response system (1-877-7-NYSHIP or1-877-769-7447), or from their
web site at www.express-scripts.com,
or by mail. Payment by credit card is required for online orders.
Q:
I’m concerned about the safety and reliability of the mail service
pharmacy.
A:
Express Scripts uses skill and care to fill prescriptions and ensure the
safety of enrollees. Two registered pharmacists check every new prescription.
Information concerning drug interactions, side effects and other safety issues
is included with your medication, just as with a local pharmacy. Your medication
is delivered in a plain, weather-resistant package, ensuring its safety,
security and privacy.
Q:
I’m worried about Internet security. How do I know the Express Scripts
web site is secure?
A:
Express Scripts uses the most current encryption technology to protect
your information. The web site uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol with
128-bit encryption. To take advantage of this security, you must use an Internet
browser that supports 128-bit encryption. You can download a 128-bit Internet
browser by visiting www.microsoft.com
(for Internet Explorer) or www.netscape.com
(for Navigator). If you use AOL, enter the AOL Keyword “128 Browser” and
follow the instructions to download. After downloading, you must restart your
computer before using the 128-bit browser. Additional information about privacy
is posted at www.express-scripts.com/esi_member/privacy/privacy_promise/.
Q:
Is there a way to check the status of an order?
A:
You can check your order’s progress online at www.express-scripts.com
by using the “View Status” feature. Select the prescription number which is
on your prescription label, and you’ll receive an order status update in a few
seconds. You can also check your order’s progress by calling 1-877-7-NYSHIP
or1-877-769-7447.
Q:
I’m concerned that my medication may be affected by temperature
extremes if it sits in my mailbox all day while I’m at work.
A:
There are several ways to address this concern. Any drug that must be
refrigerated will be packed in dry ice before it is shipped. During the winter
months, if there is a risk that a liquid may freeze, you can arrange for an
alternate delivery address, e.g., your worksite or a neighbor’s home. If your
medication requires special handling, such as refrigeration, it will be shipped
next-day delivery or overnight at no cost to you. Should you have questions
about a drug’s sensitivity to temperature changes, you may speak to a
pharmacist at Express Scripts by calling 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and
selecting Express Scripts.
Q:
Can prescriptions for controlled substance medications be filled by the
mail service pharmacy?
A:
Yes. A complete street address is required (delivery to a post office box
is not permitted), and an adult signature is required upon receipt.
3/14/05