Drug plan solutions

Our drug plan and card solutions enable employers to better manage rising prescription drug costs while offering employees the convenience of a hassle-free claims process.

Look at our cost-saving solutions:

• Drug plan
• Drug cards - pay-direct and deferred payment

Drug plan

Standard Life will help design the right drug plan - one that is most affordable for the employer, while offering several advantages to employees. Some of our cost containment options include:

• Deductible - employers and employees can share some of the costs
• Co-insurance - different drugs or drug groups are reimbursed at different percentages
• Exclusion of drug classes or specific drugs
• Reports to better manage plan effectiveness and profitability - Standard Life can provide statistical reports that include details on the most commonly used drugs, those drugs used to treat specific medical conditions and drug categorization based on cost. (All of our reports comply with federal and provincial legislation as well as CLHIA guidelines on the confidentiality of information.)

Drug cards

Drug management is the key to a cost-effective group insurance plan. We offer point-of-sale technology that makes it possible to efficiently manage even the most complex drug plan.

Advantages for the bottom line:

• Our two drug card solutions - pay-direct and deferred payment - both with built-in features
• Controlled dispensing fees, where available
• Maximum amounts for drugs
• Generic substitutions included
• Adoption of formulary drug plans - our pharmacological experts can offer various formularies to better manage a group plan's costs.

Advantages for the employee:

• Simple, fast and effective
• Real-time processing
• No more paperwork - no forms to complete or submit
• No need to worry about misplaced or lost bills

Pay-direct card

With the pay-direct drug card, a plan member simply presents their card to the pharmacist who submits the claim electronically. Real-time processing allows the pharmacist to confirm the plan member's eligibility and drug coverage. The plan member is advised, on the spot, of the portion not covered by the plan, to be paid at the pharmacy.

Deferred payment card

With the deferred payment drug card, a plan member pays the cost of the prescription at the pharmacy. The pharmacist will then register the claim electronically - eliminating the need to fill and send a claim form. The plan member is advised, on the spot, of the amount that will be reimbursed. Claims are reimbursed when the total goes beyond a specified maximum dollar amount or time period, as determined by the group plan.

Built-in features that add value

Online Drug Utilization Review

This confidential service protects plan members against the inappropriate use of medication and any adverse effects from interference between prescription drugs they may be taking. If the online drug utilization review reveals such threats to their health or that of their family members, the pharmacist will be immediately notified electronically.

Another safety feature of our drug cards is that they limit the amount of medication received at any one time, with the exception of maintenance drugs intended for ongoing use.

Coordination of benefits

If both plan member and spouse have drug cards with their respective insurers, the pharmacist will use both cards to determine how the two plans can best cover drug expenses. No forms will be required and the claim will be processed in its entirety. Claims for eligible dependents will take into consideration any coverage a spouse may have.

		Our partner Standard Life's drug cards are provided in partnership with TELUS Health Solutions , a leader in the Canadian health informatics industry.