Medica, a nonprofit Minnesota MCO with about one million members, is getting a jump-start on the anticipated Medicare drug benefit by launching a new drug rider for Jan. 1, 2004 - Brief Article

Drug Cost Management Report, Nov 21, 2003

* Medica, a nonprofit Minnesota MCO with about one million members, is getting a jump-start on the anticipated Medicare drug benefit by launching a new drug rider for Jan. 1, 2004. The Medica Prime Solution Rx Rider is a pharmacy benefit designed as a stop-gap measure to serve the 40% of Minnesota Medicare beneficiaries without drug coverage until a real Medicare benefit takes effect--presumably in 2006.

For a $39 monthly premium, the plan covers formulary generic drugs with an $11 copay, and brand-name drugs with a $30 copay. Unlike most current Medicare drug plans, the Medica plan features no annual limit on generic or brand-name drugs, and no underwriting requirements. It is available to current or new Medica Prime Solution members. While the plan is a separate drug rider, it is available only to Medica Prime Solution members. The MCO is positioning itself to serve more Medicare beneficiaries under a government-sponsored drug benefit, and says it is offsetting the costs of the pharmacy benefit via cost savings it is achieving in its medical plans. Call Medica's Larry Bussey at (952) 992-8013.