Navigating your prescription drug benefits under the Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) can ensure you receive the medications you need while maximizing your savings. UMP provides comprehensive coverage through a network of pharmacies, mail-order services, and specialty drug providers. To make the most of your benefits, it’s essential to understand how to use your UMP member ID and where to fill your prescriptions.
Using a UMP network pharmacy is the most cost-effective way to obtain your prescription medications. When you visit a pharmacy within the UMP network—which includes retail locations like Walgreens and Rite Aid, mail-order options such as Costco Mail Order Pharmacy and Postal Prescription Services (PPS), and the specialty drug provider Ardon Health—you automatically receive your member discount. Always present your UMP member ID card at the pharmacy counter to guarantee you pay the correct, discounted amount.
Failing to present your UMP member ID card at a network pharmacy means you will be required to pay the full cash price for your medication upfront. To receive reimbursement in such cases, you would need to complete and submit a Prescription Drug Claim Form. Furthermore, purchasing prescriptions from pharmacies outside of the UMP network can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses. While UMP may still offer some coverage for prescriptions from non-network pharmacies (excluding specialty drugs), you will not receive the standard plan discount, and you will be responsible for submitting your claim to ArrayRx for reimbursement. To locate a network pharmacy in your vicinity, utilize the Pharmacy Locator Tool. For prescriptions purchased internationally, it is advisable to contact ArrayRx directly for guidance on coverage and claims.
Convenient Retail Pharmacy Network
ArrayRx boasts an extensive network of retail pharmacies, making it convenient to access your prescription medications. Choosing a network pharmacy not only ensures cost savings through your UMP member discount but also simplifies the claims process, as network pharmacies directly submit claims to ArrayRx on your behalf.
Mail-Order Prescription Services for Ease and Convenience
For ongoing medications, UMP offers the convenience of home delivery through its network mail-order pharmacies: Costco Mail Order Pharmacy and Postal Prescription Services (PPS). These services allow you to order both new prescriptions and refills from the comfort of your home. You can also easily manage your prescriptions, track order statuses, and monitor package delivery online. It’s important to note that UMP’s network mail-order pharmacies are unable to ship prescriptions outside of the United States.
Utilizing Costco Mail Order Pharmacy or PPS ensures that the same cost-sharing structure, pre-authorization requirements, and coverage limits apply as when you purchase medications at retail network pharmacies. For more detailed information regarding mail-order services, you can contact ArrayRx, Costco, or PPS. To enroll in mail-order services, you can sign up with Costco or sign up with PPS.
Accessing Specialty Medications
Specialty drugs, which are often high-cost injectables, infusions, or oral medications requiring special handling, have specific coverage guidelines under UMP. To determine if your medication is classified as a specialty drug, consult the UMP Preferred Drug List. Typically, coverage for specialty drugs is limited to purchases made through UMP’s designated network specialty pharmacy, Ardon Health. In instances where Ardon Health cannot dispense a particular specialty drug, they will facilitate a referral to an alternative specialty pharmacy capable of providing the medication. For further inquiries about specialty drug coverage, contact ArrayRx.
Preventive Vaccinations at Network Pharmacies
UMP provides coverage for preventive vaccinations at no cost when administered at a network vaccination pharmacy. It’s advisable to confirm with the pharmacy beforehand if they offer vaccinations, as not all locations do. Remember to present your UMP member ID card prior to receiving any vaccine. Vaccinations are also available through your primary care provider or other network providers.
To understand which vaccinations are considered preventive and covered under your plan, refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) immunization schedules. Note that certain covered immunizations may be categorized as “may be recommended” based on individual medical conditions or lifestyle factors. Coverage for these vaccines as preventive care is contingent upon meeting the criteria outlined in the CDC schedule. It’s important to be aware that UMP does not cover vaccinations required for travel or employment, even if recommended by the CDC or mandated by travel regulations.
