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Expanded Case Management Services for Members
Expanded case management services are now available for State Health Plan members. The program assists members with serious medical needs, including multiple hospitalizations; a sudden, catastrophic event; a high-risk pregnancy; or an extended neonatal intensive care stay.
Members who are interested in learning more, or feel that they may have a need for case management, should contact a NC HealthSmart Health Coach at 1-800-817-7044. The Health Coach will work with the member to determine the need for a referral to case management.
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Save Money with OTC Allergy Medicines
An easy way for State Health Plan members to save money is to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications instead of more costly prescriptions. Allergy medications are used by many members and present an excellent opportunity for cost savings.
The currently available OTC non-sedating antihistamines (Claritin®, Claritin® D, Alavert®, Alavert® D, and Loratadine) range in cost from $7 or less to $30 for a 30-day supply. Switching to one of these medications could save members approximately $240 - $500 annually, if the OTC products are used instead of the name-brand prescription non-sedating antihistamines. Members are encouraged to shop around for the best prices for the OTC alternatives.
Good news: OTC Zyrtec® will become available in mid-January 2008. All formulations of OTC Zyrtec® will have an average cost of $25 for a 30-day supply and will be the same strength as the original 24-hour prescription Zyrtec®. Switching to OTC Zyrtec® could save members $300 annually instead of using the prescription product.
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Prescription Clarification Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) recently announced plans to waive copayments for generic medications that treat congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes through the "Medication Dedication" medication adherence program.
The current BCBSNC program is available only to members who have pharmacy benefits through BCBSNC. The State Health Plan does not have pharmacy benefits through BCBSNC and is not participating in this program.
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