Express Scripts and generics

From [XXX], July 7, 2009

STRS has done a good job with this issue. More clearly, Express Scripts has done a good job to meet the competition.

From [XXX], July 7, 2009
Subject: Re: Good Afternoon Ms. Knoesel

Thanks!!! We know that there are others. C Clinic will not recommend generic Warfarin since there are at least 3 companies that mfg. the generic version. Therefore only that generic drug will not be utilized by my wife. We will probably come out slightly ahead on the new drug plan even with the $150 deductible Jan. 1. This was a very good decision by Express Scripts. They will take a small hit on the $9.00 but will make it back from most people with the $150 deductible in Jan.

The question that I asked is not covered in the Express Scripts mailing. This should be covered in a future STRS communication.

[XXX]

From Sandy Knoesel, July 7, 2009
Subject: FW: Good Afternoon Ms. Knoesel

Dear [XXX]:

I asked Greg Wilson, manager of Pharmacy Benefits for STRS Ohio, to review your e-mail questions. His analysis is below. LCG is our internal abbreviation for low-cost generics. I hope this information is helpful.

Sandy Knoesel

From Greg Wilson, July 6, 2009
Subject: RE: Good Afternoon Ms. Knoesel

Sandy,

The cost for the strength of Sotalol that [Mrs. XXX] takes will not change next year. The quantity covered of Sotalol 80mg under the Low Cost Generic program is 90 for the $9 copay. However, the maximum copay, regardless of quantity, will be generic copay of $25. This is another advantage to our program over that which is offered by the retail pharmacies. Like our plan, the limitation for a 90 days supply under the Walmart plan is a quantity of 90. However, Walmart would charge a multiple of 4 times their standard cost of $10 (or $40) under their program because the quantity needed for a 90 days supply is 360.

I looked at [Mrs. XXX's] profile and there are several drugs which they will be able to take advantage of the LCG plan.

Thank you,

Greg Wilson
wilsong@strsoh.org

From [XXX], July 6, 2009
Subject: Good Afternoon Ms. Knoesel

Good Afternoon Ms. Knoesel,

Thanks for your kindness. We do not always agree, but I think you are starting to trust me.

We received the new "Express Scripts" program to compete with Walmart (and we will repay next year with the $150 deductible to pay them back).

I have discovered an issue where we are going back on this program or perhaps there is a better explanation.

My wife takes 320 mg of Betapace (Sotolol) in generic form. We have been paying $25 for 3 months supply. The new $9 special is for only 80 mg. Therefore we will be paying $36 for 3 months vs. the $25 that we have been paying. If we maintain the $25 I have no problem. If the new bill is $36, you will hear me shouting in Columbus.

Please help me sleep by confirming that the charge will only still be $25.00. There are other prescriptions with the same factor, but this is an excellent example to clarify the process.

We continue to have an EXCELLENT relationship with Express Scripts. FAR BETTER than Caremark. We have never had a mistake in billing, shipment, or pharmacy service. The attendants speak ENGLISH, understand the concerns of the participants, and work hard to keep everyone happy. Please feel free to share this comment with Express Scripts.