Important BOLR Prescription
Benefit News

Many of us are required to take prescription medications on a regular basis due to some chronic condition like hypertension, asthma, or diabetes. These are called maintenance medications. Effective September 1, 2005, all maintenance medications must be obtained through Express Scripts Exclusive Home Delivery Progam, more commonly known as the mail-order program.

Currently the BOLR Fund has 0.8% mail utilization. Express Scripts has estimated that this program will save our members over $73,000 a year while saving the Fund over $27,000. When you use the mail service pharmacy you receive a 90 day supply of medication for the cost of a 60 day supply. So instead of paying 3 copays for a 90 day supply you pay only 2 copays. Your prescription is shipped free in a weather resistant, plain package. Two registered pharmacists check each new prescription, and information concerning drug interactions, side effects and other safety issues is included with your medication. Express scripts pharmacists are available 24 hours a day to answer any question you may have concerning your medication. Simply call the number on the mail service information you receive. Each BOLR member who is currently on a maintenance medication will receive information from Express Scripts in August concerning the Exclusive Home Delivery Program process.

To get started you will need to ask your physician for a prescription for a 90 day supply of each of your maintenance medications with 4 refills. You will have a 2 month grace period starting September 1, 2005 during which time you will still be able to obtain a 30 day supply through your local retail pharmacy in September and one refill in October to give you time to get started with the mail service program. Be sure you have at least a 3 week supply of your medication left when you send your mail-order request to Express Scripts. You don’t want to run out of your medicine while waiting for your new shipment in the mail. A mail – in refill form is included with your first order or you can refill each prescription over the internet at www.express-scripts.com or by phone at 1-800-467-2006.


Frequently asked questions about Exclusive Home Delivery:

Q. Do I have to pay extra to use the Mail Service Pharmacy?
A. No. The Mail Service Pharmacy is part of your prescription drug plan. That means the service is available to you at no additional cost to you.

Q. Which medications are appropriate for mail service?
A. Those prescriptions you take on a daily basis for a long period of time. For a short-term illness requiring a one time prescription (and no refills, such as an antibiotic, your local pharmacy is the best choice.

Q. Can the Express Scripts Mail Service Pharmacy dispense medications that need to be refrigerated?
A. Yes. The medications will be shipped in cold packs.