This is a special edition of the retiree e-newsletter sent from the Division of Retirement and Benefits to provide you with accurate, timely information about your AlaskaCare retiree health benefits. This newsletter contains an IMPORTANT NOTICE regarding an erroneous letter sent by OptumRX.
 Some retirees will receive letters from OptumRx that were sent in error. These letters indicate that:
- members will pay more for their medication;
- that quantity limits apply to their prescription; or
- that their medication requires prior authorization to determine if it will be covered under the plan.
These letters contain incorrect information. The retiree prescription drug benefits are not changing.
Beginning January 1, 2019, OptumRx will process AlaskaCare pharmacy claims, but you will continue to get the same medication you do today, for the same copays that you pay today.
If you have received a letter that contained one of the below statements, please disregard. These letters do not apply to the AlaskaCare retiree prescription drug plan.
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Beginning January 1, 2019, you will pay more for the medication(s) below.
- This is inaccurate. You will continue to receive medications for $0, $4, and $8 copayments.
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Beginning January 1, 2019, you will need prior authorization (PA) for the medication listed below.
- This is inaccurate for most members. Some Medicare-eligible members may require prior authorization to determine if their medication will be paid by the EGWP or the wrap benefit; however, the letters sent erroneously by OptumRx reference additional prior authorization or quantity limits that do not apply to the AlaskaCare retiree health plan. If you have questions about your prescriptions, you can call OptumRx at (855) 409-6999, TTY711.
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Beginning January 1, 2019, there will be a new limit to the quantity or supply limit of the medication listed below that will be covered.
- Other than some controlled substances, member can continue to fill up to a 90-day supply. If you have questions about your prescriptions, you can call OptumRx at (855) 409-6999, TTY711.
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Beginning January 1, 2019, prior authorization will be required for your medication to ensure appropriate use. Your doctor will also need to submit a request to OptumRx for any quantity of the medication that exceeds a set quantity limit.
- This is inaccurate for most members. Some Medicare-eligible members may require prior authorization to determine if their medication will be paid by the EGWP or the wrap benefit; however, the letters sent erroneously by OptumRx reference additional prior authorization or quantity limits that do not apply to the AlaskaCare retiree health plan. If you have questions about your prescriptions, you can call OptumRx at (855) 409-6999, TTY711.
OptumRx will send out a corrective notice to affected individuals. We apologize for any confusion this may cause.
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The Division of Retirement and Benefits will host a Tele-Town Hall on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. AKDT. Join the call as Division staff discuss the transition to OptumRx and answer your questions about your pharmacy benefits.
The event is free, open to all AlaskaCare retirees and dependents, and will last one hour. Register in advance here to make sure your phone number is on the call list. Registration closes one hour before the event starts (9 a.m. AKST).
If you don’t want to register or participate over the phone, you can listen online. The audio of the call will be streamed live on the registration page and on the Division’s Facebook page once the event begins.
If you haven’t participated in a Tele-Town Hall before, here’s how it works:
- When the event begins, many AlaskaCare retirees will be called and asked if they want to join in the conversation.
- If you would like to participate, just answer that call and stay on the phone! You’ll be placed into a shared line automatically.
- If it’s a bad time to chat, just hang up the phone. If want to ask your questions at a more convenient time, you can reach the Division toll-free at (800) 821-2251 or in Juneau at (907) 465-4460, or by email at drbtownhall@alaska.gov.
- Be sure you receive a call by pre-registering here.
We hope to hear from you on the next call!
Looking for answers now? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions:
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