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Q: What prescription medications are covered under
the APS Prescription Plan?
A: All FDA approved brand and generic prescription
medications are covered.
Q: Are there any age or enrollment restrictions?
A: No, everyone can enroll and benefit from the plan.
Q:
Where can I use the APS card?
A: The APS card is accepted at over 50,000 pharmacies
throughout the United States. The network includes
pharmacy chains, such as CVS, Rite Aid, Medicine Shoppe,
Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and more, as well as thousands of
independent pharmacies throughout the country.
Q: What if my pharmacy doesn't recognize the
card?
Pharmacies may not be familiar with every prescription
program in which they participate. If the pharmacist
does not recognize your APS card or if you encounter a
problem at the pharmacy, DO NOT leave without having the
pharmacy call the toll-free number printed on the ID
card.
Q.
What is a generic drug?
Once a patent on a brand name drug expires, other drug
companies may make a generic version of the drug, with
the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA's standards for quality are the same for all
manufacturers. This means the generic drug contains the
same active ingredients as the brand name whose patent
has expired, and that it's as safe, potent and
effective.
Q.
How can I keep my prescription drug costs down?
The use of generic prescription drugs, whenever
available, is most cost effective. Don't be shy -
discuss your prescription options with your doctor. Ask
whether an alternative, less expensive option would work
for your condition.
Q.
How will I know if there's a generic equivalent
available?
Simply ask your local pharmacist or call APS's
Customer Service Department to find out about generic
equivalents for your prescription. Also ask your doctor
to prescribe generics whenever possible and appropriate.
(Your enrollment packet will include helpful materials
you can share with your doctor.)
Q: Can anyone use my card?
A: No, each card has its own unique access code number
and each person requires separate enrollment.
Q: I am not a U.S. Citizen, can I use the card?
A: Anyone may use the program if it is used at
pharmacies within the U.S.
Q: Does my doctor need to know about this card when
writing my prescription?
A: No. This program will not affect the way you are
cared for by your physician. You should, however, always
consult with your doctor about saving money on
prescription medications.
Q: Do prices vary among participating pharmacies?
A: Industry standards determine the discounted rate for
prescription medications. This means in most instances,
all participating pharmacies will offer the same low
price. These rates are updated at least once a week, so
prices may vary depending on when you go to the
pharmacy. From time-to-time, pharmacies may offer
special sale prices for a limited time on selected
drugs. These sale prices may be lower than the scheduled
discount rates, in which case the card holder will pay
only the lowered sales price.
Q: What does getting the "lowest" or "best" price on
my prescriptions mean?
A: It means that a participating pharmacy will give you
their lowest (or best) price available at their
pharmacy. In 80% of previous transactions, that price
will be significantly lower than any retail or sale
price you would receive without the card. If a brand
name or generic drug is available through your
participating pharmacy at a lower price than the
scheduled price, you will pay only the lower of the two
prices.
Q: Why don't all pharmacies accept the card?
A: All chain pharmacies and most independent pharmacies
have been given equal opportunity to serve you via this
program. Pharmacies are required to offer very deep
discounts and assist in performing some fairly
complicated drug management procedures on behalf of our
card holders, and some pharmacies simply refuse. However
that gives you the confidence of knowing that pharmacies
participating have your best interests in mind.
Q: I already have insurance that covers my
prescription drugs. How can the APS Prescription Card
benefit me?
A: This program can be used to obtain savings on
prescription drugs that are excluded by your insurance
plan or are not covered because you have exceeded your
insurance plan's maximum limits.
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