By now most of you have received a letter from Caremark, your
prescription benefit administrator, dated August 21, 2006.
Please read the content carefully so that you will understand
the prescription benefit program as well as other resources
offered by Caremark.
Mandatory Mail Service
For long-term or maintenance prescriptions you must use mail
service after filing your prescription three times at a
participating pharmacy. To get started using Caremark Mail
Service for an existing prescription, simply call toll-free at
1-888-216-5022 to access FastStart SM mail program. Otherwise,
you can have your doctor write a script for a 90-day supply with
3 refills (if applicable) and send it with an order form to
Caremark. Mail order forms are available at Caremark.com.
It is important to note that the mail service co-pays will apply
regardless of the day supply that is submitted; therefore it is
important for you to verify that all prescriptions being sent to
Caremark Mail Service are written for a full 90-day supply.
Generic vs Brand
Whenever clinically appropriate, Caremark, with prescribed
approval, substitutes generic medications for the often costly
branded medications. Ask your doctor if a generic equivalent or
generic alternative medication is available to treat your
condition. Be aware sometimes generic medications have different
fillers or additives that may cause slightly different effects
so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist. Remember,
not all medicines are available in a generic form and only
available in brand name form.
Web site: www.caremark.com
The Caremark Web site offers a wealth of information including
the following:
- Ordering prescription refills
- Three Tier Drug Design
- Find out which medications are covered under your plan
- Examples of drug costs; generic, preferred brands and
non-preferred brands
- Express delivery program for oral and injectable medicines
- Find out where nearby participating pharmacies are located
- Check prescriptions for dangerous drug interactions
- Search drug and medical libraries
For additional information about your Caremark prescription
benefit, log on to
www.caremark.com or call
toll-free at 1-800-898-5698. If you are having any
problems with this program, please inform your local union
officers and we
will address your concerns.
Thank you,
Laura Albert
LEC President
PHL Council 70
302-331-7544
lalbert@afausairways.org
