As we discussed at the HR Seminar, we are implementing a strategy designed to help members select the most effective and affordable prescription medications available.

Atorvastatin, a new generic drug for the brand name Lipitor, was recently added to the Trust’s drug list/formulary. Our goal is to encourage all members currently taking Lipitor to switch to Atorvastatin. This generic alternative costs less and is just as safe and effective as Lipitor.

Beginning May 1, 2012, the Trust pharmacy benefit will automatically cover Atorvastatin and will only cover Lipitor through its step therapy program.

Step therapy is a process whereby prescriptions are filled with an effective, but more affordable medication (Step 1). When appropriate, a more costly (Step 2) medication can be authorized by a physician if the Step 1 prescription is not suitable in treating the condition.

Letters explaining this change have been sent out to all members that currently have a prescription for Lipitor.

For members using home delivery, Express Scripts will continue to dispense Lipitor from its home delivery pharmacy using the standard house generics program. However, in July Express Scripts will begin to dispense generic Atorvastatin from its home delivery pharmacy. At this time, prescriptions for brand name Lipitor will require step therapy depending on the member’s pharmacy benefits.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this change, please contact:

Carol Jobe

Capstone Benefits Group
cjobe@capstonebenefits.com
317-328-7880, ext. 135

The Anthem web site has wonderful information, tools and tips to help your employees manage their health plan and manager their health. If they are not already accessing the site, we have provided links to materials that you can share with your employees to help them get started using this valuable resource:

Login Instructions

Website Overview

Finding a Provider

RX Tools

Special Offers

Website Tutorials

These material have also been posted on the home page of the IBA Group Insurance Trust web site: www.ibatrust.org

The IBA Group Insurance Trust will hold its annual benefits seminar for human resource managers, financial officers and CEOs of member organizations on Monday, March 19, 2012.

The seminar will be held at the Indianapolis Marriott North Hotel, located at Keystone at the Crossing, 3645 River Crossing Parkway, Indianapolis, IN.  (This is the same location as last year.)
In addition to reviewing the Trust performance over the past year, we will provide an update on the wellness program with Strategic Health Services, as well as updates on Healthcare Reform and other IBA Group Insurance Trust topics.

You will receive a complete agenda and registration form in mid-February.  For now, please mark your calendars and plan to attend this important event.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in March.

Through Express Scripts, you can easily manage all of your mail order prescriptions online. To get started:

1. Login to the Anthem web site at www.anthem.com <http://www.anthem.com>. If you don’t have a login, click on “Register Now” below the login area and follow the instructions.

2. After logging in, click on “Order Refills” and then click through to get to the Express Scripts web site.

Once there, use the menus on the left to:

* Order Refills
* Set-Up Auto Refills
* Fill a New Prescription
* Check Order Status
* Check Prescription Requests Made to Your Doctor
* See How to Save on Prescriptions
* View Prescription History

The site also provides other helpful information about prescription drugs and your prescription drug plan.

Express Script’s GenericSelect(tm) program lets members try certain generic drugs and get their first prescription at no cost. By selecting a generic, members get the same type of medicine they need, but it most often costs less. Click here to download a brochure about this program that you can distribute to your employees.

We are pleased to announce that following a comprehensive search, the IBA Group Insurance Trust has selected a new Wellness company to serve its members beginning January 1, 2012.

This new company, Strategic Health Services, offers more capabilities and flexibility to improve the health of your employees and ultimately lower claims costs.

More details about this exciting new program will be sent to you in the coming weeks. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact:

Carol Jobe
Capstone Benefits Group
cjobe@capstonebenefits.com<mailto:cjobe@capstonebenefits.com?>
317-328-7880, ext. 135