Recently employees of the North American Refractory plant (Brickyard) in South Shore, recelved notice of changes in their prescription drug coverage. Caremark. the pharmacy benefits manager for their group has dictated that all maintenance medications must be ordered via mail or filled at a CVS pharmacy. It is not just a coincidence that CVS owns Coremark. This is a growing trend with mail order pharmacies that are owned by pharmacy chains and this action poses a serious threat to independent pharmacies in our area.
Most employees are not in favor of this change and were only made aware through a moiling in March of this year. As a pharmacy owner, I have been told by the people who make these decisions that independent pharmacies have no recourse to this action.
I will propose that there are some things that can be done to correct this situation. First and foremost, the people involved should let their voices and dissatisfaction be heard. Contact your local human resource people and let them know what this does to you and your support of local businesses. Inform the union and salaried supervisors about your dislike of this mandated change of pharmacies. Most importantly, check with your current pharmacist. You are going to be charged $20.00 for a 90 day supply of generic medication through Caremark. Most pharmacies, including ours, offer a wide selection of generic drugs for a fee of $10.00 for 90 days. Even generics not on the list can usually be purchased for less than the $20.00 fee you are being charged by the mail order house.
Customers like you are the mainstay of our business. Likewise, community pharmacies are major supporters of your school, church and civic organizations. In addition, your community pharmacist has taken care of your medical needs for years. We have worked with your doctors to make sure you have received the best medical care. Now is the time we stand together to ensure you have freedom of choice when it comes to you prescriptions.
Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding this important issue.
David R. Stuitz, Pharmacist
President, Stultz Pharmacy, lnc
Greenup.KY
Flatwoods, KY
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