Last update: 4/6/2010

March 2010           

Dear TeamstersCare Member/Retiree:

The following TeamstersCare Pharmacy benefit changes will become effective on July 1, 2010.

• Prescriptions for brand name statins (cholesterol lowering medications) Lipitor, Crestor and Lescol will no longer be covered. We are taking this step as there is no scientific evidence to suggest that one statin is better than another. The generic statins will continue to be available.
  
  If you are currently taking a brand name statin, we suggest that you speak with your doctor to switch to a generic statin that is appropriate for you. When you switch, TeamstersCare Pharmacies will provide you with up to two 90-day prescriptions of the generic statin with no copay.
  
  If you receive a new prescription for a brand name statin, our TeamstersCare pharmacists will call your doctor to request an appropriate generic for you. In this case, you will make a $5 copay for up to a 90-day supply.

• A brand name statin may be covered under certain rare conditions as documented by your doctor and approved by the TeamstersCare Medical Director through the Prior Authorization process. In this case, the TeamstersCare Pharmacycopay will be $15 for a 30-day supply or $45 for a 90-day supply and the retail pharmacy copay will remain unchanged depending upon your TeamstersCare Program.

• The Lipitor pill-splitting program will be eliminated on July 1, 2010.

• Vytorin (a combination cholesterol lowering medication) will no longer be a covered medication effective July 1, 2010.  We are making this change as recent studies have shown it is no better than a statin alone in reducing cholesterol.

• Zetia (a cholesterol lowering medication that is not a statin) will require Prior Authorization beginning July 1, 2010.

• For information on the Prior Authorization process, call one of our TeamstersCare Pharmacies.

TeamstersCare is committed to providing the best benefit possible and the highest level of service for our members and retirees. If you have any questions about the information contained in this letter, please contact one of our TeamstersCare Pharmacies or TeamstersCare Member Services at the telephone numbers listed below.

Sincerely, Your TeamstersCare Staff

Charlestown TeamstersCare Pharmacy
(local) 617-241-9024 or (toll-free) 800-235-0760

Stoughton TeamstersCare Pharmacy
(local) 781-297-9764

TeamstersCare Member Services
(local) 617-241-9220, ext 2 (toll-free in MA) 800-442-9939; (toll-free out of state) 800-225-6135

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