CVS Simple Dose

[StephanieCJ]

Apparently CVS is offering a service akin to Pill Pack. I can't find any info on how to add it as an option in the Medicare Plan finder. I also can't find any info on what Part D plans cover this service. Anyone have any luck with this or run into it?

 

[somarco]

Apparently CVS is offering a service akin to Pill Pack. I can't find any info on how to add it as an option in the Medicare Plan finder. I also can't find any info on what Part D plans cover this service. Anyone have any luck with this or run into it?

Just a wag, but my guess is you won't find it in a plan formulary.

Simple Dose asks for you billing & insurance information but whether or not you actually SAVE $$ is questionable. You might even pay more than running each med separately.

Most of my clients don't use their drug plan except for higher priced drugs. They know they will pay less using a pharmacy club discount or GoodRx vs their drug plan.

Get a pill organizer for $10 and sort your own at home if you want to save money.

 

[StephanieCJ]

I agree on that. I called into simple dose and had to run to CVS pharmacy on enterprise Road in Indianapolis Indiana because that's the one that ships to Louisiana. The lady I talked to told me to cancel the plans formulary to see which pharmacies were covered. I was overwhelmed by her knowledge after having waited on the phone for 24 minutes

 

[somarco]

cancel the plans formulary to see which pharmacies were covered

How is that accomplished?

I used the PF, entering 3 meds (BP, cholesterol, insulin) just to see what would happen. I picked CVS, Kroger, Publix (local grocer w/ pharm) and mail.

AARP Medicare Preferred ($104.20) had the lowest total cost.

CVS is a standard pharm, Kroger & Publix are preferred. For mail order (I rarely look at that option unless specifically requested) I was not offered a choice.

Mail says "Preferred in-network pharmacy", costs vary by specific pharmacy. How helpful is that?

Monthly copays were $55 for CVS (std) for all 3 drugs, Kroger & Publix (pref) were $50. Not much savings IMO for std vs preferred pharm.

Mail (pharmacy unspecified) wa $105 for 90 days. Significant, if accurate and if you knew which pharmacy was included.

BTW, for the meds I used lisinopril 10mg, rosuvastatin 20mg and Humalog (deferred to insulin lispro).

One last thing.

This was a test using my zip and 3 common meds (I am not on any meds).

And . . . the PF enrollment option is offline at this time.

Peachy!

 

[StephanieCJ]

That actually should've said call the plans formulary. I explained to her that a formulary is a list of covered drugs and not some thing that you call. I'm pretty much going to have to tell the client that it's going to be a shot in the dark getting the service covered but if it's important to them or their mother then they have to evaluate the cost