FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is a drug formulary?
- Who decides what drugs are covered on a formulary?
- Where can I obtain a copy of the Rite Aid Health Solutions formulary?
- What if my drug is not listed on the Rite Aid Health Solutions formulary?
- Are generic drugs the same as brand name drugs?
- Why are generic drugs less expensive than brand name drugs?
- What does the term "preferred brand" drug mean?
- What does "prior approval" or "prior authorization" mean, and how do I know if this is required for my prescription?
- How do I obtain "prior approval" or "prior authorization"?
- What does "quantity limit" mean and how do I know if this is required for my prescription?
- What is the maximum day supply I can receive at my local network pharmacy?
- What does the term "co-payment", "co-pay", or "co-insurance" mean?
- How do I know the amount of my co-pay?
- I never received my prescription ID card, how do I obtain one?
- I lost my prescription ID card, how can I receive a new one?
- Do I need to bring my ID card to the pharmacy counter with me every time I fill a prescription?
- What is the difference between a new prescription, a renewal prescription and a refill?
- How can I find a local Rite Aid Pharmacy near me?
What is a drug formulary?
A drug formulary is a list of preferred medications that are chosen by a team of medical and pharmacy professionals for their safety and efficacy. These drugs are provided at a lower cost to patients than non-formulary medications. Formularies help keep drugs affordable by providing medications that are equally effective in treating an illness when compared to the other medications available, but are generally the more cost effective choices.
Who decides what drugs are covered on a formulary?
Rite Aid Health Solutions has an experienced team of healthcare professionals who meet regularly to evaluate the most current drugs available along with recent medical findings when deciding which drugs will be placed on our formulary. This committee includes physicians and pharmacists from many different practice settings.
Where can I obtain a copy of the Rite Aid Health Solutions formulary?
To access the Rite Aid Health Solutions formulary online, please download the PDF.
What if my drug is not listed on the Rite Aid Health Solutions formulary?
If your drug is not listed on our formulary, our clinical pharmacists will work with your doctor to find an alternative option for you that is covered on our formulary. In many cases, a similar drug that will work just as well for you can be prescribed. If you or your doctor needs assistance determining alternative drug options that are covered on your formulary, please contact us at 1-866-828-5966.
Are generic drugs the same as brand name drugs?
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients in the same dosage form and strength as their brand name equivalent. Like brand name drugs, generic drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for effectiveness and safety. They are required by the FDA to contain the same active ingredients and be absorbed and used in the body the same as their brand name equivalent. Generic drugs are usually named after the medication's chemical name, and more than one generic manufacturing company may produce a generic drug. In contrast, a brand name drug is produced by one drug company only.
Why are generic drugs less expensive than brand name drugs?
Generic drugs are less expensive than their brand name equivalents because generic drug manufacturers do not have some of the costs associated with bringing the drug to the market or the ongoing costs of promoting these brands to physicians. Brand name drug companies have high costs associated with research, development, advertising, and marketing, while generic manufacturers do not normally have such costs. Brand manufacturers have a period of patent protection once they have a drug approved. This patent protection allows them to be the only supplier of that medication until their patent is no longer enforceable, at which time other manufacturers may apply for FDA approval. The lower costs of producing the generic drug are passed onto your health plan and to you, the patient, in the form of lower drug prices.
What does the term "preferred brand" drug mean?
Preferred brand drugs on your formulary are those that are preferred by Rite Aid Health Solutions over other brand name drugs used to treat a certain illness. Even though they are brand name medications, they may be available for a lower co-pay amount when compared to other medications used for the same purpose.
What does "prior approval" or "prior authorization" mean, and how do I know if this is required for my prescription?
Prior approval, also called prior authorization, means that you need to obtain approval from your health plan to receive a medication before your prescription is covered under your benefit. The reason that prior approval may be required may vary, but may include the type of medication prescribed, the type of illness the medication is treating or the frequency of administration of the drug. In most cases, the prior authorization process ensures that the right drug is being used for the condition, based on a combination of safety, cost and effectiveness in certain conditions.
How do I obtain "prior approval" or "prior authorization"?
You should contact us at 1-866-828-5966 to begin the prior authorization process. Processing for prior approval forms may take up to 48 hours, depending on how soon we are able to obtain the information necessary.
What does "quantity limit" mean and how do I know if this is required for my prescription?
For certain medications, quantity limits are limits placed on the amount of medication you are able to receive in a certain time period, or in some cases the drug should only be used for a limited period of time. Quantity limits may be placed on a drug for various reasons. To find out if quantity limits apply to your medication, please click here or contact us at 1-866-828-5966.
What is the maximum day supply I can receive at my local network pharmacy?
Since prescription benefit plans vary, you should call us at 1-866-828-5966 to find out the day and month supply allowed for your drug and benefit.
What does the term "co-payment", "co-pay", or "co-insurance" mean?
The term co-pay (or sometimes co-insurance) refers to the amount you will be responsible for paying at the pharmacy counter. It is the amount of the prescription cost you will be responsible for under your benefit. Co-pay amounts can vary by plan, and will depend upon the design of your pharmacy benefits.
How do I know the amount of my co-pay?
Your co-pay amount is determined by your plan and by the design of your pharmacy benefits. To find out your co-pay amount for certain medications, call 1-866-828-5966.
I never received my prescription ID card. How do I obtain one?
Please contact us at 1-866-828-5966 to obtain your prescription ID card.
I lost my prescription ID card. How can I receive a new one?
Please contact us at 1-866-828-5966 to request a new prescription ID card.
Do I need to bring my ID card to the pharmacy counter with me every time I fill a prescription?
Sometimes your pharmacy will store your ID numbers, but you should always carry your card with you to be sure.
What is the difference between a new prescription, a renewal prescription and a refill?
A new prescription is an order for a medication that hasn't been filled before under your current prescription benefit, while a renewal prescription is for a medication that you have been taking, but that has been extended by your physician. In both cases, a physician must either write you a new paper prescription that you can bring to the pharmacy, fax a copy of the paper prescription from their office to your pharmacy, or call in your prescription to your pharmacy in order for you to receive your medication. A refill is the continuation of your existing prescription, which does not require your physician's approval until it expires.
How can I find a local Rite Aid Pharmacy near me?
Your local network pharmacy can be found online by clicking here.
