Chair Talk
January 2017
Employee Benefits had recently informed me that the letter from Optum Rx (dated November 30, 2016) about the Medicare retiree having other prescription drug coverage was generated by wrong information that Blue Cross/Blue Shield had sent to Medicare. That issue is being addressed by Employee Benefits and Blue Cross.
The transition from MedImpact to Optum Rx has not been quite as seamless as retirees had expected. I have heard from retirees that are experiencing issues trying to set up an online account and others are questioning the formulary and the fact that some of their prescriptions are in a different tier. I have also heard from retirees that have had no issues with the transition. Many of the issues are similar to those we have had in the past when we have changed Prescription Drug Managers (PBMs). Whenever there is a vendor change we seem to experience some challenges. For those retirees that contact me I forward their issue to Employee Benefits. Employee Benefits responds quickly and they do what they can to resolve the issues. I would advise all retirees to read or become familiar with all the mailings you receive from Optum Rx. In the past, when I have questioned retirees about whether they have reviewed the information they had received they tell me they haven’t opened the mailings. Retirees need to review the information they receive about their benefits.
Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380.