The following memorandum was released today by DHR, concerning prescription drug refills. State Employees and Retirees are urged to read and take advantage of the new guidelines when refilling your prescriptions.
From: DHR - Commissioner's Office
Date: March 17, 2020 at 2:49:22 PM EDT
Subject: Employee Pharmacy Benefit Regarding COVID-19 Prescription Drug Refills
Effective immediately and in compliance with the Department of Financial Regulation Insurance Bulletin #210, the following State Employee Health Plan design changes have been implemented related to pharmacy benefits and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plan members are encouraged to use the mail-order service of Express Scripts that allows medications to be delivered directly to members' homes. This will ensure that members have the medications they need while also minimizing the need for Vermonters to physically visit pharmacies, consistent with the recommended practice of social distancing. This service is available at no additional cost, and the same coinsurance and deductibles apply.
As an alternative, members with ongoing medications can refill their medications earlier than otherwise permitted under the plan to ensure adequate supply. There is a one-time "refill too soon" exception for each medication that can be put in place at the pharmacy at the time of fill.
For more information and assistance in setting up either the mail-order service or to coordinate the "refill too soon" benefit, please contact Express Scripts at:
(800) 550-8090