Human Resources: Flex 2002 News: Coverage Added for Birth Control Pills And Other Contraceptive Devices

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Flex 2002 News: Coverage Added for Birth Control Pills and Other Contraceptive Devices

Currently, the 90/10, 80/20, POS and PPO medical options cover some reproductive and contraceptive procedures—such as sterilization, tubal surgery, etc.—but exclude others. To ensure consistent coverage in this area, beginning in 2002:

Coverage for oral contraceptives will be added for all of the Plan’s options (including HMOs) and will be provided through the Merck Prescription Program. However, to be covered, prescriptions must be filled by mail or online through Merck-Medco’s Home Delivery Pharmacy service.
Other prescription contraceptive devices—such as diaphragms, cervical caps, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants and injections—will be covered under the 90/10, 80/20, POS and PPO options (subject to copayments, deductibles, etc.). HMO coverage for these devices varies by plan; contact your HMO for more details.

What This Change Means To You
If you are currently using oral contraceptives—or any other prescription contraceptive device—keep in mind:

Effective January 1, 2002, coverage for oral contraceptives will be added for all of the Plan’s options (including HMOs). However, to be covered, prescriptions for oral contraceptives must be filled by mail or online through Merck-Medco’s Home Delivery Pharmacy service. For more information about this service, visit Merck-Medco’s Web site at http://www.merckmedco.com.
Other contraceptive devices will be covered under the 90/10, 80/20, POS and PPO medical options. So, copayments, deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses may apply. (HMO coverage for these devices varies by plan.)
Non-covered and out-of-pocket expenses associated with contraceptive drugs and devices may be funded—on a pre-tax basis—through a health care spending account. However, if you’ve previously funded your health care account based on the full cost of these expenses, you may want to adjust your 2002 contributions.