Prilosec: No prescription means
no coverage by benefit
Prilosec, the prescription antacid, will
soon be available over-the-counter (OTC), but it will no longer be covered
by DC 37s Prescription Drug Benefit. As of Sept. 8, the well-known
heartburn medication, in its most popular strength (20mg.), will be
available without a prescription.
Higher doses of prescription-strength Prilosec will still be available
for long-term treatment of conditions that need a doctors supervision,
but they will not be covered by the DC 37 Health and Security Plan.
Consequently, when Prilosec OTC becomes available, neither Prilosec
20 mg., nor the higher doses of prescription strength Prilosec, nor
its generic counterpart omeprazole will be covered by
the DC 37 drug benefit.
The union benefit will continue to provide coverage for other proton
pump inhibitors, such as: Nexium, Aciphex, Protonix and Prevacid. Plan
coverage for them will continue at the current co-payment and subject
to the 90-day restriction.
As with all medication, whether over-the-counter or prescription strength,
you should speak with your physician before switching to an alternative
treatment. If you have any questions, you can contact the NPA-Express
Scripts Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-467-2006.