FAQs-Mail Order Pharmacy
I am transitioning from my group health plan (GHP) to Medicare. My new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan utilizes a different mail order pharmacy partner than my GHP. What do I do?
You will need to take two steps. First, you should take immediate action and reach out to your GHP’s mail order pharmacy to stop any auto refills or medication reminders and let them know you will no longer be using their services. Second, you will need to set up your account with your new mail order pharmacy. When you enrolled in your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, the Plan sent you a welcome packet with instructions on how to set up mail order either online or via phone; simply follow those instructions or call the carrier using the number on the back of your card for more assistance.
I am transitioning from my group health plan (GHP) to Medicare. My new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan utilizes the same mail order pharmacy partner than my GHP. What do I do?
You will need to immediately reach out the mail order pharmacy either via phone or online, and provide them with the information on your new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan member card. This will insure when your medications are filled, they have the right information to file your claims and to ensure you receive the correct cost sharing for your medications.
I enrolled in a new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan this year and it utilizes a different mail order pharmacy partner than my previous coverage. What do I do?
You will need to take two steps: First, you should take immediate action and reach out to your previous mail order pharmacy to stop any auto-refills or medication reminders and let them know you will no longer be using their services. Second, you will need to set up your new mail order pharmacy account. When you enrolled in your new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, the Plan sent you a welcome packet. Instructions on how to set up mail order either online or via phone was included.
I enrolled in a new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan this year and it utilizes the same mail order pharmacy partner which my previous coverage used. What do I do?
You will need to immediately reach out the mail order pharmacy either via phone or online, to provide them with the information on your new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan member card. This will insure when your medications are filled, they have the right information to file your claims and to ensure you receive the correct cost sharing for your medications.
Is it more cost effective to get my medications from the Medicare Part D Plan’s designated mail order partner?
Not necessarily. A mail order pharmacy may be the same cost or even more expensive than utilizing a physical pharmacy. If you wish to review the cost effectiveness of your pharmacy options further please call or email HTA.
May I use both a mail order pharmacy and a physical pharmacy?
Yes you may! Setting up mail order does not stop you from being able fill your medication at a physical pharmacy. As long as your prescription is not expired and on file with the pharmacy, you will be able to fill your medication. However, by law one cannot refill a medication before the refill period is over to ensure mediations are being taken as directed. The refill period is usually indicated on your medication bottle.
How do I pay for my medications when utilizing my mail order pharmacy?
When you set up your mail order preferences, you will be given the option of setting up auto-pay. If you do not select the auto-pay options you will be invoiced for your medications.
How does my doctor provide my prescriptions to the mail order pharmacy?
Most medical offices provide the prescriptions either electronically or via fax. Therefore, it is important to know the name of your mail order pharmacy when you see your doctor so their office can get your prescriptions to the right place.
If a doctor provides a new prescription to my mail order pharmacy, will it automatically be filled?
In most cases yes. Mail order pharmacies assume if a prescription is sent to them by a doctor it should be processed and mailed to the patient. If you do not wish to have the medication filled immediately, you should reach out to the mail order pharmacy within 24 hours of the doctor sending the prescription.
May I fill any medication I wish via my mail order pharmacy?
No. Some medications, such as controlled substances, are prohibited by law from being filled by a mail order pharmacy. In addition, your Medicare Part D Prescriptions Drug Plan or the mail order pharmacy may have some medications which they do not allowed to be filled via mail order pharmacy. In some instances, a mail order pharmacy may not stock or may run out of a particular medication. If you have a question regarding a specific medication please call or email HTA.
Am I forced to be on auto-fill if I get my medications by mail order pharmacy?
No. When you set up your mail order preferences, you will be given the options to set up auto-fill or choose to decline. Should you decline, many mail order pharmacies will then give you the option to receive an email or text reminder when a medication is due to be filled.
I wish to utilize a mail order pharmacy which organizes my medications in personalized daily blister packaging. May I do this?
Yes. However each Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan has a designated mail order pharmacy partner which provides this service. Failure to use the designated partner may result in higher medication costs. For further information, please call or email HTA.
My medication is required to be filled by a specialty mail order pharmacy. Will this be an issue?
Not at all! However, each Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan has a designated specialty mail order pharmacy partner. Failure to use the designated specialty mail order pharmacy partner may result in higher medication costs. For further information, please call or email HTA.
How do I stop receiving my medications from my mail order pharmacy?
You simply need to call the mail order pharmacy and request they stop the auto refills of some or all of your medications. If you have a mail order pharmacy member portal, you may also be able to do this online.
Visit the following pages for more information on plan options
Medicare Supplement Plan Options
Medicare Advantage Plan Options
Medicare Part D Prescription Plans