My sister’s employer does not limit test strips (she has the PPO plan), allows for change in therapy. Still having problems getting Medco to ship more than 600 strips at a time, even though we have a prior authorization approved for 16 strips per day, valid until next year. Today I was told we have to track down the endo, have her re-write her prescription to state “Quantity of Boxes, i.e., 15 boxes, 90 day supply, 16 strips per day.” So far it only says 16 strips per day, and their mail department has it down for 38 day supply, when we then have to reorder. Endo’s office thinks this is ridiculous and has never had to put quantity of boxes on any script. Medco used to ship insulin overnight delivery to us. They have changed their policy and will only ship two day delivery (because they are citing Veteran’s Administration study that claims lukewarm NPH and Regular is safe to re-refrigerate and use) but will ship overnight in an emergency. Never mind that she uses Novolog insulin, not NPH or Regular, Medco is following that study. Last night Rep told me the "16 strips a day (valid until next year) does not make it clear if 16 strips are needed “every day or for how long”??? Until at least NEXT YEAR, if you will follow the prescription. And I assume unless a noninvasive glucose monitor is created, until she is grown, when we can then perhaps limit the testing because, hopefully, she will be more stable. Am in the process of tracking down her very overworked endo so she can write yet another order. P.S. We sent in a script for a three-month supply at least twice before, yet they still claim to have on file an order for 38 day supply. Will xerox the script before sending this time. Main problem is getting the refills timely every 38 days does not happen and we have to pay out of pocket if we run out when we have insurance coverage. She has GREAT insurance. Too bad Medco will not follow the endo’s prescription without a huge song and dance.
This is a new policy that started with my last shipment–3 months ago they were sent overnight with ice…now we have a new mail order RX–nothing but problems so fat–so only time will tell
Please log on to children with diabetes.com forums. There is a new post there under “General” that has info on who to complain to re Caremark. Apparently, they have changed their policy and will not ship with ice packs. This problem needs to be addressed.