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Important tips and news relating to your employee benefits.
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- NOVEMBER 2015 -    

Recognizing Trustees –

Trustees Recognized as Leaders in the Food Industry

Western Grocers Trust is proud to have two of our Trustees recognized as leaders in the Food Industry and extend our congratulations to Chris Brown of Wray’s Food & Drug in Yakima, Washington, and Mike Trask of Stanlar Foods in Granite Falls, Washington.
   
Chris just completed a very successful year as Chairman of the Board of the Washington Food Industry Association and Mike was elected as the Chair for the upcoming year.



Congratulations and thanks for all you do for our industry!!

About Your Prescription Drugs


Starting in 2016 Western Grocers Trust will have a new Pharmacy Benefit Manager. OptumRx will be providing broader service and better discounts for our members.  Watch for more information in your annual enrollment communications.

Reducing the cost of Prescription Drugs

This is by far one of the most costly areas of medicine for our members.  Here are some ways you can reduce drug costs:

1. Ask for generic drugs
You’ll pay much less and  they are reported to be just as safe and effective as brand-name drugs.

2. Talk with your doctor about cost when they are prescribing
Cost is not on the top of the list when doctors are writing a prescription.  They are focused on the effectiveness.  But if they know cost is important to you, they may be able to recommend a drug that is just as effective for a lower cost.  Let them know that both effectiveness and cost matter to you.

3. Make sure your prescriptions are still necessary
Take time to periodically review all your prescriptions with your doctor and your pharmacist.   You may find you are unnecessarily increasing your risk of side effects and drug interactions.  Or possibly taking a higher dose than needed.
That saves money at the same time that it lowers your risk of side effects and drug interactions. Review all of your medications with your doctor or pharmacist at least every six months, eliminating duplicate or unnecessary drugs or adjusting dosages that are higher than necessary.
 
4. Ask your doctor if you can safely split your pills
Consumer reports says; “you may be able to save money if your doctor can prescribe a pill that's twice your normal dose, so you could split it in half. To make the practice safe, only divide pills that are scored, use a pill-splitting device, and never split extended- or continued-release tablets. Divide one pill at a time and take the halves as consecutive doses so that you don't get too much or too little. But don't split pills without the permission of your doctor or pharmacist.”

5. Shop for lower cost pharmacies
It pays to shop around.  Even if you like your pharmacy, they may match the price offered at discounters if you ask.

6. Be wary of free samples and TV Drug Ads
Often these are the most expensive brand name option.  They might be new, but may work no better than older ones.  And they could cost you more in the long run if you stick with them. That’s why they give them away.

7. Use the Mail Order option in your plan
If you have an on-going prescription need, you can save on your co-pays by using the mail order option.  Review your plan information for how to do this.

8.  Research Patient Assistance programs
Many Pharmaceutical companies offer discounted or free medication through their patient assistance programs. Use the online directory RxAssist to see if there's one that can help you.


 
Copyright © 2015 Western Grocers Employee Benefits Trust, All rights reserved.


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