PostDocs: Prescription Drug Benefits

Prescription Coverage with the Postdoc PPO Plan

When you enroll in the GW Postdoc PPO medical plan option, you are automatically enrolled in the prescription drug coverage below through Aetna Pharmacy. You have access to prescription medications through retail pharmacies, a mail-order program and in-network specialty pharmacies. Under the prescription plan, preferred generic, preferred brand and non-preferred (generic and brand) medications will be paid by fixed copay each time you fill a prescription.

Real World Tips:

• Any time you receive a prescription, ask your doctor if a generic option of the drug is available, and whether it’s right for your condition. Doing so can save you hundreds of dollars.
• If you have a condition that requires ongoing prescription medication, you will pay the lowest total copay possible by requesting that your doctor provide a prescription for a 90-day supply of your medication.

A drug formulary is a list of medications published by Aetna and can be found at www.aetna.com.

Medications fall into one of the following three categories:

Tier 1: Preferred  Generic - Lowest cost

A generic medication is an FDA-approved drug, composed of virtually the same chemical formula as a brand-name drug.

Tier 2: Preferred Brand - Slightly higher cost

If a generic medication is not available for your condition, your doctor may prescribe a brand name medication.  Tier 2 medications will be more expensive, but will help reduce your out-of-pockets if used in lieu of Tier 3 medications.

Tier 3: Non-Preferred Brand and Generic - Highest cost

This tier includes non-preferred brand and non-preferred generic medications.

Note: You will receive one card for both your medical and pharmacy benefits.