With health care costs rising, knowing how to navigate your benefits can lead to significant savings and better health outcomes for you. This essential guide can help you make the most of your prescription drug coverage and health plan.
- Know your prescription plan inside and out
Review your plan details, including covered medications, copays, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Tips include:
- Know who your Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) is and how to contact them with questions. Your PBM, like CVS Caremark, can describe your prescription drug plan and help explore cost-saving options.
- Explore accepted pharmacies or if a specialty pharmacy would be more cost efficient. Specialty pharmacies may offer better pricing for complex medications.
- Check your medication’s formulary status and which medications are covered at what cost.
- Save On Your Prescription Drug Plan
Small changes to your prescription routine can lead to significant savings, making medications more affordable and improving health outcomes.
Consider these options as appropriate:
- Switch to a generic or biosimilar
- Order 90-day supplies
- Use mail-order services
- Apply discounts or use patient assistance programs
- Take Advantage of No-Cost Preventive Care
Take advantage of the no-cost health benefits included in your plan. Staying on top of preventive care can keep small health issues from becoming bigger problems so you can feel your best.
This can include services such as:
- Routine vaccines and screenings
- Annual physicals
- Diabetes prevention medicine
- Tobacco cessation products
- Follow Prescription Instructions for Your Medication
It is important to take your medication at the right dose, at the right time and for the correct duration. This is what is called medication adherence. Adhering to prescribing instructions leads to optimal health outcomes, prevents disease progression and reduces health care costs.
If you experience challenges with adherence:
- Ask your pharmacist questions.
- Use counseling available.
- Refill your prescriptions on time.
- Explore Additional Prescription Coverage Resources
Health care providers are available to help ensure you have the right medications for you and your coverage. They can help create a personalized care experience, improve medication adherence and ultimately health outcomes.
Additional resources include:
- Pharmacy navigation services to help you find the best medications, pharmacy options, or cost-saving opportunities.
- Management plans that provide education, support, tools, resources, etc. to improve your care.
- Pharmacist and provider consultations for questions about the instructions, interactions or proper usage.
- Educational programs and support groups including workshops, seminars, online courses and peer support communities.
Take control of your health today and maximize your prescription coverage. Review your documents, contact your PBM, like CVS Caremark, or your doctor or pharmacist with any questions along the way.
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