Effective Jan. 1, 2005, Medco Health Solutions became the new pharmacy benefit manager for the prescription drug benefit sponsored by the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund (OP&F). Medco replaces Advance PCS/Caremark.

While the name of the pharmacy benefit manager is different, nearly everything else remains the same. As of Jan. 1, 2005, the co�pay amount, contribution level, and plan design did not change. As changes to the plan do occur, OP&F will communicate this information to participating members.

As with the previous pharmacy benefit manager, the Medco program offers two convenient ways to fill prescriptions: from a retail pharmacy that participates in the Medco network, and through Medco�s mail�order pharmacy.

It has been the goal of OP&F that regularly taken medications through recurring prescriptions will not need to be renewed. If new prescriptions are required, OP&F has contacted members so the proper arrangements can be made. If members changed prescription plan options during the 2005 Annual Change Period, and the days supply of the prescription is changing, members need to request a new prescription from their physician. Members also will need a new prescription if it includes compounds or controlled substances, or if the prescription expired prior to Dec. 31.

OP&F and Medco mailed new prescription drug cards and detailed information on the prescription drug service in December. A new member ID number has been assigned and went into effect on Jan. 1. To help protect members� privacy, Social Security numbers will no longer be used as the member ID for the prescription plan. Participating members were able to begin using the new Medco card on Jan. 1, 2005.

If members mistakenly send a prescription order to Advance PCS/Caremark after Jan. 1, Advance PCS/Caremark will express mail the prescription to Medco for fulfillment. However, Advance PCS/Caremark will not be able to forward payments. Advance PCS/Caremark will send the member a check for the amount or credit the amount to their credit card on file. This amount would then be required to be sent to Medco.

The new Medco customer service number, 1�800�753�7156, became available Dec. 1, 2004 for general questions and Jan. 1, 2005 for specific questions.