New Half Tablet Program Saves $ on Rx Drugs

Beginning October 1^st, The Empire Plan will begin offering a Half Tablet Program to help enrollees save on out-of-pocket costs for select medications.  “Since the escalating cost of prescription drugs is a concern to our members, we’re pleased that members who choose to participate in this Program will see a reduction in their copayments,” said PEF Health Benefits Specialist, Lorraine Simpkins.

The Half Tablet Program is completely voluntary and works as follows:

• Your doctor writes a new prescription for twice the strength and half the quantity.

• You fill the prescription, paying only half your usual copayment.

• You split each tablet and take half.

The Half Tablet Program targets only those medications the insurer, United HealthCare (UHC), has deemed appropriate for pill-splitting.  This includes one of the most widely used drugs by Empire Plan enrollees, Lipitor®.  Members who fill a prescription for a medication included in the Half Tablet program will receive a letter describing the program and instructions on how to participate.  Enrollees are instructed to talk to their physicians about whether they are good candidates for the Half Tablet Program.  UHC will provide participants with one free tablet splitter.

For more information, call The Empire Plan Information Center at 1-877-7NYSHIP and select the prompt for the Prescription Drug Program.