Quick Tips for Using Your Pharmacy Benefits

Prescription medications can play an important role in helping you stay healthy. If you need medication for a short- or long-term health condition, you probably make regular trips to the pharmacy. If your doctor prescribes a new medication, it’s important to get it filled promptly and take it as instructed.

To make your next pharmacy visit quick and easy, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

Check your pharmacy prior authorizations. Some prescriptions require approval from Parkland Community Health Plan (known as prior authorization) before they can be filled. PCHP members can check the status of their pharmacy prior authorization requests at any time in the Member Portal.

Bring your ID card. Your pharmacist can check the card to make sure they have your current insurance information on file. (Be sure to keep your information up to date with Your Texas Benefits, too.)

Stay covered by filling prescriptions – even if they’re available over the counter. Texas Medicaid and CHIP cover prescription drugs that are listed in the HHSC Formulary and Preferred Drug List (PDL). This list also includes certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like pain relievers, prenatal vitamins, and allergy medications. If you have a prescription from your doctor, it may be covered under your pharmacy benefit, even if it is also available as an OTC option. (Your pharmacist may suggest getting the non-prescription version of the medication instead; however, you will be responsible for that cost.)

Consider using the mail-order pharmacy. Ordering prescriptions by mail is a convenient way to get your medications without having to make a trip to the pharmacy. You can order them online or by phone and have them delivered right to your home. This service helps you save time and keep up with refills. It also may provide cost savings on certain medications. Many pharmacies offer free mail order delivery for eligible prescriptions. Check with your current pharmacy to see if they provide this service.

Questions?

To learn more about your pharmacy benefits, visit our website. If you have questions about your prescriptions, talk to your doctor or call Parkland’s 24/7 Nurse Line at 1-888-667-7890.


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