Pharmacy Program Advantages
Your pharmacy benefits are administered through the Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield Pharmacy Program, which eliminates paper claim forms and employs
the latest technology for electronic pharmacy claims processing. When you fill your
prescription at a participating pharmacy, the Pharmacy Program computer network
instantly alerts the pharmacist to the following:
- Any potential harmful interaction of the medication about to be dispensed with any
other medication that the patient may already be taking;
- Whether this medication may duplicate another medication the patient is taking;
- Whether the prescribed dosage or strength is appropriate for the age of the patient.
These features help you save money and promote good health and safety.
Three-Tier Medications Formulary
The
Three-Tier Medications Formulary
is a listing of covered medications and the corresponding copayment tier under which
the medication is listed. The specific dollar amount of copayment for each medication
will vary depending upon your policy benefits, but the tier assignment for the medication
will be the same for all members. Look on your health-plan ID card or drug card
to determine the dollar amounts of your copayments. In general, the three copayment
levels are:
First tier: Almost all generic medications (lowest copayment of all tiers)
Second tier: Preferred brand-name medications and other lower-cost, brand-name
medications (mid-level copayment)
Third tier: High-cost medications or medications classified as nonpreferred
(highest level of copayment)
Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
The Arkansas Blue Cross Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee makes recommendations
regarding preferred and nonpreferred medications. The committee includes:
- Arkansas physicians in private practice;
- Medical directors from Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage;
- Community pharmacists in private practice;
- Pharmacy directors of major Arkansas hospitals;
- Arkansas Blue Cross/Health Advantage pharmacy director.
For More Information
If you need more information about your prescription drug coverage, call:
|
Arkansas Blue Cross Members |
1-800-863-5561 |
|
Health Advantage Members |
1-800-863-5567 |
|
BlueAdvantage Members |
1-888-293-3748 |