Extended Contraception Coverage

July 2007 issue

The University has recently decided to extend prescription contraceptive coverage to the BCBS PPO(May 1st issue of Newsline--print version ONLY) beginning July 1 2007, but most employees are totally unaware of this. Additionally, there has been a total lack of information regarding how the benefit will work. Please work with HR to widely disseminate this information as quickly as possible. As few individuals know about this many may be paying out of pocket for contraceptive services/procedures that they would otherwise delay for a few weeks in order to use the new benefit. I.e., for contraceptives (oral) can an employee go to their regular pharmacy or is it mail order only? Are there forms? Are all brands covered or just some--the current mail order website says that they are non-formulary? What is the price structure? If a contraceptive device is being implanted is only the device covered or also the procedure, and is the removal at a later date covered? It is the duty of HR to have let employees know this information, please hold them to their responsibility.

Response

Source: Gary Miller
Title: AVP-Benefits and Staff Compensation
Unit/Department: Human Resources
Extension: 2-8501
Email: gmille11@depaul.edu

Response: Oral contraceptives are being treated as any other prescription drug. Therefore, staff have the option of using mail order or going to the pharmacy. There are no special forms or procedures - again, just like any other prescription drug. The pricing structure is just like the current prescription drug program for mail order and retail and all levels are covered - brand (formulary and non-formulary) as well as generic. Regarding anything that would be handled in a doctor's office, the office co-pay of $20 would apply. Implants and removals of implants would be covered.