On January 1st of this year, CVS/caremark™ (CVSC) became our new prescription plan administrator. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about filling your medication needs through our new vendor.

Q: Is CVS your only pharmacy option?

A:No, except as noted below. CVS/caremark’s (CVSC) pharmacy network includes over 68,000 pharmacies including local pharmacies, large chains such as Safeway, Shop Rite, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger & others, and over 8,000 CVS pharmacies.  To find out if your pharmacy is in CVSC’s network, please call 844.432.0696 or visit Caremark.

Q:  Do I have to use a CVS/pharmacy if I am taking Maintenance (long-term) medications?

A: Yes, you are required to fill your prescription through mail order OR at a CVS/pharmacy if you meet BOTH of the following criteria:

  • If you are filling a prescription for long-term medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. and
  • You live within 5 miles of a CVS/pharmacy.

Regardless of which option you choose, you will pay the lower mail order copay. If you have filled part of a 90-day prescription at a non-CVS pharmacy in 2016, you will be allowed to finish that 90-day prescription at your current pharmacy.  However, new prescriptions, written after January 1, 2017, must be filled through mail order OR at a CVS/pharmacy (at either a standalone CVS/pharmacy or those in Target stores). 

Q: Do I have to use a CVS/pharmacy if I am on a specialty medication?

A: Yes. If you are taking a specialty medication (i.e. medications for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, MS, etc.), effective January 1, 2017 you will be required to fill your prescription through CVSC’s specialty mail order pharmacy OR at a CVS pharmacy.

Q: Can I get a flu shot at a pharmacy in CVSC’s retail network?

A: Yes. All preventive care-related vaccines, including flu shots, are available through CVSC’s retail network at no cost to you (not all participating pharmacies offer all vaccines).

Q: I just received an ExtraCare® Health Card. What is it for?

A: The ExtraCare Health Card provides you and your family with a 20 percent discount on CVS Brand health-related products from cough and cold medication to pain and allergy relief. Already have an ExtraCare Health Card? Call CVS/caremark and have your points transferred to your new ExtraCare Health Card.

For additional information about your prescription plan, visit Prescription Drugs | Pearson Benefits.