United Healthcare has introduced its 2015 Medicare health and prescription drug plans, “designed to be affordable, maintain the benefits that matter most to consumers, and maximize savings for members,” according to an announcement from the company.
In 2015, the company has increased the number of medications on tier 1 of the formulary for its Medicare Advantage-Part D plans, meaning many of the medications most commonly used by Medicare beneficiaries will be available for a lower copay. The generic versions of Lipitor, Synthroid, Actos, Coumadin, Fosamax, Singulair and 72 other drugs will move to tier 1. More than half of United Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage-Part D members use at least one medication that is moving into a lower tier of the formulary and will be available for a lower copay in 2015.*
United Healthcare has also lowered the prices available through its Pharmacy Saver program in 2015, allowing Medicare Advantage members to save even more money on their medications. Simply by showing their member ID card at pharmacies participating in the program, members can access select generic medications for as low as $1.50 per 30-day prescription.
The company will offer a choice of Medicare Advantage plans designed to meet a variety of beneficiary needs and preferences, including plans with monthly premiums that offer additional features or lower cost-sharing. The majority of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage members – nearly 60 percent – will see no change to their monthly premium in 2015. More than 22 million Medicare beneficiaries in the company’s 2015 coverage area, including three-quarters of its current Medicare Advantage members, will have access to a standard UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium beyond the Medicare Part B premium.
