Since when have RX plans made the distinction between "maintenance" and

[Peregrine Took]

"non-maintenance" prescriptions?

I guess I'm stupid but I had no knowledge of this. I was just charged 100% more for a "4th refill" at CVS filled at a local pharmacy as the RX (HRT cream) was deemed "non-maintenance."

The double co-pay charge was a "penalty", I was told by Medco, for continuing to have my RX filled locally.

[Lisa0825]

1. I know Medco does mail-order prescriptions...

I wonder if they started chargiing more to try to pressure people to do "maintenence" prescriptions by mail, to save money for them? I never use my mail order plan. The copayment is a little higher to get them locally, but I like being able to pick up my prescription when I want/need to, and not wonder if it will come in the mail on time.

[Peregrine Took]

2. Sheesh! I had no idea. Apparently my HRT rx is thought to be "non-mntnce."

I think the "maintenance" ones may still be ok. How do they decide what is the difference, I wonder. My HRT is needed for a health condition called "painful bladder syndrome" - a horrible condition, believe me.

How sneaky the drug plans are.

[napi21]

3. Check this PDF file.

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/cgfa2006/Upload/2005FundingPlanDesign.pdf

If you go to page 12, you'll see the explaination of how this operates, and why you had to pay a double co-pay. I didn't read the entire thing, but I did read about their reqauirements and why you were charged double.

[Peregrine Took]

4. How did you know I'm in Illinois? I couldn't pull up the individual pages

I'll see if I can find it online. Thanks very much.

[napi21]

7. I had no idea where you were. I just googled non-maintenance prescription drugs

and that's one of the answers I got. If you're in Ill. so much the better.

[Bitwit1234]

5. My prescription company classifies

the type that you need to take constantly, blood pressure. Diabetes. Cholesterol etc. What happens is they put so many refills etc and when that expires, you call in for continuation they do-- or ask you to come in for a check up. They charge 5 dollars for a 45 day supply but usually fill it for 90 and charge you 10.

[Peregrine Took]

6. But my RX has a limited number of refills and requires authorization

from the doctor to sustain it yet is has been deemed "non-maintenance."