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Pharmacy and prescription drug benefitsIf you’ve ever needed prescription drugs, you know they can play an important role in keeping you healthy. Maybe you take regular medications — or maybe you’ve only needed medication for specific treatments. No matter what, it’s helpful to know how your benefits work. It can help you get your prescriptions filled more easily and help you control costs too. Let’s walk through some tips on how to use your pharmacy benefits for prescription drugs. Sign in to see pharmacy benefits for your planCheck into your prescription drug benefitYou’ll find the detail about most prescription drug benefits by looking at your plan’s Prescription Drug List (PDL), also called a Formulary. It’s a list of medications and how they’re covered by your plan. If you have a prescription for a certain kind of medication, you can look it up in your PDL to see how it’s covered. How to find and use your Prescription Drug List (PDL)You can sign in to your health plan account and look under your pharmacy and prescription coverage information to see your plan’s PDL. You may also view a general PDL, but you’ll need to confirm your specific coverage details before filling a prescription. When your doctor prescribes medication, look at your list and talk about the cost. You can ask about a lower cost alternative if the drug your doctor chooses is too expensive or isn’t covered. At times, a similar drug can work just as well — like if there’s a generic version of the drug. Here's a hint:PDLs may change. If you have medications you take regularly, watch your PDL and track changes to stay ahead of possible changes in cost. How to fill your prescriptionsWith some plans, you have the choice to fill your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery by mail. Find a network pharmacyChoosing a network pharmacy may help you save on costs. You can view list of pharmacies for your plan by signing in to your health plan account. If you don’t use a participating network pharmacy, you may have to pay the full retail price for your prescriptions. You can also view a general list of pharmacies using the OptumRx Pharmacy Network Search. Set up home delivery by mailIf your prescription medication benefit includes home delivery, you can avoid monthly trips to the pharmacy and you may save money too. You may be able to order up to a 3-month supply of medication you regularly take — and there’s usually no charge for standard shipping within the U.S. You can enroll in just a few steps when you sign in to your health plan account or call the number on your member ID card. What is OptumRx?On your prescription benefits, you may see the name OptumRx®, which is UnitedHealthcare’s pharmacy service provider. OptumRx may be included in your health plan benefits because it offers members coverage through a large network of retail chain and independent pharmacies, as well as through its mail service pharmacy known as OptumRx Home Delivery and the Optum Specialty Pharmacy. Pharmacy by mobile appUnitedHealthcare members with health plans through an employer may use the UnitedHealthcare app to help manage their medications. You can use the app to:
Tips that may help save moneyHere are a few ideas that may help you save on your medications.
Common pharmacy terms to knowPrior authorizationA requirement that your doctor explains why you need a certain medication before your plan decides how and if it will be covered. Supply/quantity limitsThe largest amount of medication your plan will cover per copayment or period of time. Some medications have quantity limits for quality and safety reasons. Step therapyWhen your plan requires you to try one or more medications before approving coverage for a different one. Specialty medicationsMedications used to treat complex or rare conditions that you may need to get from a specialty pharmacy. How do I submit prior authorization to UnitedHealthcare?UnitedHealthcare Prior (Rx) Authorization Form. Form can be faxed to: 1 (866) 940-7328.. Phone number: 1 (800) 310-6826.. Step 1 – Enter today's date at the top of the page.. Step 2 – “Section A” must be completed with the patient's information.. What is OptumRx prior authorization?As an OptumRx provider, you know that certain medications require approval, or. prior authorization (PA), to ensure that they are medically necessary and appropriate for the. reason prescribed before they can be covered. PAs help manage costs, control misuse, and.
How long does it take to get prior authorization from United Healthcare?A decision on a request for prior authorization for medical services will typically be made within 72 hours of us receiving the request for urgent cases or 15 days for non-urgent cases.
Does United Healthcare allow retro authorizations?Retroactive Authorization request: • Authorization will be issued when due to eligibility issues. after an appeal is filed. UHC often doesn't receive complete clinical information with an authorization to make a medical necessity determination.
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