Those enrolled in the Marquette medical insurance plan can save on prescription costs and enjoy added convenience by utilizing the plan’s mail-order prescription program. Those facing a chronic condition may see further prescription savings opportunities by participating in the university’s chronic condition management program through Tria Health.
Mail-order prescription program benefits
Those who are prescribed a medication to take over an extended period can participate in the mail-order program. This allows for prescriptions to be mailed directly to one’s home and helps avoid regular trips to the pharmacy. Additionally, participation in the mail-order program may allow some medications to be filled up to a 90-day supply at a time at a reduced cost compared to a monthly refill at a brick-and-mortar pharmacy. The university’s mail-order prescription program is through Postal Prescription Services, a subsidiary of The Kroger Company (the parent company of Pick ‘N Save and Metro Market), so those participating in the program also have the option to pick up their prescriptions at their local Kroger pharmacy.
To sign up for the mail-order program, go to www.ppsrx.com or call 1-800-552-6694.
Tria Health’s condition management program
Tria Health provides condition management services for individuals covered by a Marquette medical plan dealing with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, mental health, migraines, heart disease, osteoporosis, asthma and COPD.
Tria pharmacists help manage health, medications and healthcare budget. They offer personalized medication reviews to ensure prescriptions are safe, effective and set up to properly support a chronic condition. Tria works with a participant’s doctor to create a personalized plan and provide ongoing support, so medications can be as effective as possible.
Services are free and confidential. Those who speak with a Tria Health pharmacist may receive discounts on their maintenance medications. These include facing no cost on certain Tier 1 medications and paying only 10% coinsurance with no deductible for certain Tier 2 medications, including insulin. People facing certain conditions may also be eligible to receive free testing and monitoring equipment to help support their condition, such as a diabetes blood glucose meter or blood pressure cuff. Participation in the Tria Health program can also help reduce health care expenses by improving management of chronic conditions, often resulting in fewer medications and fewer visits to urgent care or the emergency room.
To meet with a Tria Health pharmacist, call 1-888-799-8742 or visit triahealth.com/schedule. More information can be found on the Tria Health page on the Benefits and Wellness website.
Other ways to save on prescription costs
Generic drugs typically provide the highest savings opportunities when compared to brand-name medications. After the deductible is met, Marquette’s prescription drug plan covers 90% of the cost of generic drugs, compared to 70% for Tier 2 preferred drugs and 60% for Tier 3 non-preferred drugs. Those taking brand-name and other prescriptions that are Tier 2 and Tier 3 may consider speaking with a healthcare provider about equivalent but less costly generic medications.
It is recommended that every person have an established primary care provider (PCP), as they can serve as a low-cost hub for managing and maintaining one’s physical and mental well-being. One of the numerous benefits of participating in annual checkups with a PCP is the opportunity to review and discuss medications. PCPs can discuss the pros and cons of particular medications and help explore alternative prescriptions and treatments, including prescribing generic medications instead of brand-name ones.
Further information on the prescription drug program, including prescription savings opportunities, can be found on the Prescription Drug Benefit page and the Total Rewards Guide.
