A member of the LRO Board of Directors has been examining the information Lucent has mailed to retirees about changes to the Prescription  Drug Plan and provides the following observations. It appears that many of the common formulary branded drugs have been bumped up to the new Level Three classification (see the Medco Guide released December 2006). With some effort in asking for action from physicians, retirees and dependents could save hundreds of dollars early in 2007 if they act now. For example:

ZOCOR (Medco Guide pg 4.6)

ORDER BY MAIL                                               BUY RETAIL                                       BY MAIL SAVINGS

2006 90 day supply thru mail    $40,00                 2006 30 day supply thru retail    $20.00 

2007 90 day supply thru mail   $120.00                2007 30 day supply thru retail    $60.00 

Change in Retiree Co-Pay         $80.00                Change in Retiree Co-Pay         $40.00

2007 New Annual Copay Cost $480.00              2007 Annual Copay Cost      $720.00                $240.00

Generic Equivalent to ZOCOR is Simvastatin (20 Cor) Tabs (Medco Guide pg 4.6)

2007 90 day supply thru mail   $20.00                  2007 30 day supply thru retail      $10.00                                   

2007 Annual Copay Cost       $80.00                 2007 Annual Copay Cost        $120.00                  $40.00

2007 GENERIC SAVINGS      $400.00                 2007 GENERIC SAVINGS      $600.00                 $200.00

1)       Always use Medco by mail and if there is email access use Order Online – the example shows $40 savings even when buying generic.

2)      If you are not using a generic, take the Medco guide to the doctor or nurse and ask them to review the guide to search for a generic equivalent.

3)      Once you are using a generic, search Wal-Mart or other retail generic lists for $4 for 30-day supply deals. Must consider personal inconvenience.

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