Inside Iowa State

March 23, 2005

Medco reps give overview of plan, Web site

by Linda Charles

Medco Health Solutions serves one in four Americans, its representatives said during a March 23 meeting attended by about 200 Iowa State employees and retirees.

The new prescription plan with Medco went into effect Feb. 1 for those covered by the ISU Plan. Theresa Benshoof and Eileen Connolly, Medco representatives, gave an overview of the Meco plan and Web site and answered audience questions.

Benshoof said Medco fills all prescriptions with generic drugs when possible unless the prescribing doctor specifies a certain brand. Medco also must contact a doctor for permission before substituting a preferred plan drug (which is less expensive) for a non-preferred plan drug.

Medco automatically screens all prescriptions for possible drug interactions, Benshoof said.

Under the ISU Plan, participants may continue to use local pharmacies (although they will pay more) or take advantage of Medco's prescription mail service.

Mail orders for first-time prescriptions may be made by sending prescriptions through the mail or having your doctor fax the prescription. Refill requests may be made through the mail, by calling Medco or ordering from the Medco Web site (you must register to use the Web site).

First-time mailed prescriptions take between 5 and 11 days, depending on which method is used to send in the order; refills take 3 to 8 days, again depending on the method.

The Medco Web site allows you to sign up for e-mail reminders to reorder prescriptions. (Once you've signed in, click on the "Health & wellness" tab at the top, then click on "Update your profile" on the left. In the new window, click on "Update your personal preferences" and check the appropriate box.) Medco representatives also will contact your doctor if your prescription has run out.

Most Medco shipments are made through U.S. mail, Benshoof said. Specialty medicines and controlled substances are sent via UPS. There is no charge to the customer for either service. Overnight shipping is available at a $9 charge.

Participants asked questions about receiving medications when they are out of town. Medco will not ship out of the country, but can ship to alternate addresses when notified.

Refills generally cannot be filled until 75 percent of a previous order has been used. However, those who will be out of town when it's time to refill a prescription, and can't order the refill from where they will be, can ask for a vacation override in order to fill the prescription early. Request the override directly from Medco customer service or from the ISU Benefits Office.

Receipts for filled prescriptions may be printed from the Medco Web site or requested by calling Medco customer service. They do not come with the prescriptions.

Other features of the Medco Web site, once you've signed in, include order status, price information, highlights of the ISU Plan, pharmacy locations and a "For your doctor visit" page that provides your prescription history, benefit information and fax form for your doctor to send in a new prescription.

The new prescription plan with Medco went into effect Feb. 1 for those covered by the ISU Plan. Under the ISU Plan, participants may continue to use local pharmacies (although they will pay more) or take advantage of Medco's prescription mail service.