UnitedHealthcare Mail Interchange Program Helps Members Switch to Lower Cost Medication Alternatives
Effective May 1, 2008, UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions is conducting a mail interchange pilot program aimed at educating members and their physicians about lower cost alternative medications available through Medco mail order pharmacies. The program, which targets a small group of medications filled through Medco by Mail, will offer members an opportunity to save money by switching their refills to lower cost alternatives.
When members submit new or refillable prescriptions through Medco by Mail for these targeted medications, a Medco representative will contact them to explain the lower cost alternatives available. If the member is interested in changing to the alternative, a Medco pharmacist will contact the prescribing physician for authorization. If the physician authorizes the change, the new medication will be dispensed.
While the program is completely voluntary, some members may receive medication alternatives without their approval if attempts to contact them were not successful AND the interchanges were authorized by their physician. If this occurs, the member will receive an automated phone message and letter informing him or her that their physician has approved the new medication and it will be dispensed. The message and letter provide instructions for stopping the interchange if the member prefers the original medication. If the member’s physician does not approve the change, the original medication will be dispensed.
Target Medications and High Value Alternatives
The initial phase of the mail interchange pilot program includes the medications listed below. These alternatives have been deemed clinically similar by the UHC National Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee yet also can offer savings to your employees.
| Class | Target Medication* | High Value Alternatives* |
| Antihypertensive Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) |
Atacand, Atacand HCT Avapro, Avalide, Teveten, Teveten HCT | Benicar, Benicar HCT, Cozaar, Hyzaar, Diovan, Diocan HCT, Micardis, Micardis HCT (Preferred alternative based on prescribing physician’s direction.) |
| Antidepressants Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) |
Lexapro | Citalopram |
*Designated Target and High Value Alternative medications subject to change at any time.
Should you have any questions about this new program, please contact our office at 919-403-1986.
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May 5, 2008
Hill, Chesson & Woody
Employee Benefit Services
194 Finley Golf Course Road, Suite 200,
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919.403.1986
Fax: 919.913.0237
www.hcwbenefits.com