Health First Health Plans Cuts Copays for More Than 100 Common Prescription Medications

By  //  November 15, 2020

Medicare Advantage members looking for ways to save money on their prescription drug costs

“This past year has been full of challenges, which have many of our Medicare Advantage members looking for ways to save money on their prescription drug costs,” said Ron McGrier, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Health Plan. “Health First Health Plans recognizes these needs, and we wanted to help.”

Medicare Advantage Members can get many of the prescriptions they need at $0 Copay. It’s one of the ways the Health Plan is listening to the needs of the community – and answering them.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Health First Health Plans’ Medicare Advantage members spoke up – and the Health Plan responded. Now, more than 100 prescription medications are being offered with a $0 copay for these members.

“This past year has been full of challenges, which have many of our Medicare Advantage members looking for ways to save money on their prescription drug costs,” said Ron McGrier, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Health Plan. “Health First Health Plans recognizes these needs, and we wanted to help.”

Health Plans’ Pharmacy Services, Customer Service and Sales Teams received plenty of feedback by phone and letters from members, who were concerned with being able to afford their prescriptions.

“Many of our Medicare members and seniors are worried that they will not be able to afford their medications throughout the year,” McGrier said. “They are wary that they may reach their coverage gap (“donut hole”) earlier in the year than expected.”

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We heard these concerns and decided to take action. Changes were made to the formulary (the list of drugs covered under a health plan), helping to reduce the total monthly costs of prescription drugs for Medicare Advantage members.

“If our members are able to transition from some of their expensive brand name drugs to even a few of our $0 generic medications, this will significantly lower their monthly prescription costs and keep them healthier by removing any financial barriers to care,” McGrier said.

For those Medicare Advantage members with prescription drug coverage, the Tier 6 medications available at $0 copay include, but are not limited to, the following:

■ Antibiotics for infections
■ Antifungals
■ Oral diabetes medications
■ Novolin R, Novolin N and Novolin 70/30 insulins
■ Statins for cholesterol management
■ Blood pressure medications
■ Blood thinners
■ Heart medications
■ Prostate medication
■ Antidepressants
■ Antipsychotics and treatments for bipolar disorder
■ Antiarrhythmics
■ Anti-Parkinson’s medications
■ Selected medications for pain and inflammation
■ Irritable bowel syndrome medication

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“At Health First Health Plans, we are committed to our member’s wellness, and the affordability of healthcare in our community,” said McGrier.

These changes should make it possible for members to get the prescription medications they need for less (or no) money, which helps them to stick with the care plan recommended by their provider.

And it hopefully helps give them a little more financial wiggle room, too. Many other 30-day supplies of common medications will also be available for copays of $5 or less.

“Members then have more resources available for home expenses, wellness activities and other healthcare expenses,” McGrier added.

Want to know more? Are you currently in the Medicare coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole”? Call the Pharmacy Services team at 321.434.4396, if you have any questions about our Medicare prescription coverage or our $0 medications.

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