Pharmacy

The Healthy Aging Series is designed to help individuals who want to live healthy and active lives in their later years. Although genetics and environmental conditions impact longevity, diet, exercise and healthy habits play a significant role as well.

The Healthy Aging Series describes the risk factors, prevention strategies and screening tools that can be used to reduce the likelihood of chronic disease. Tests and other examinations that are used by health professionals to make a definitive diagnosis are discussed, as well as critical questions to ask the physician to ensure that proper disease management can be practiced. Links to interactive tools are identified to prevent or manage chronic disease. Tips to prevent and manage chronic disease are outlined. Resources and voluntary health organizations are identified to provide more detailed information.

All Medicaid beneficiaries are eligible for prescription drug coverage. Colorado has implemented a preferred drug list (PDL), a formulary that establishes what drugs are covered and for what purposes. Some drugs are excluded from the PDL or require prior authorization. These include agents for anorexia/weight gain, fertility, cosmetics or hair growth, symptomatic cough/cold relief, smoking cessation, prescription vitamins and minerals, non-prescription drugs, less-than-effective drugs, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and over-the-counter drugs (except aspirin and insulin).

Generics

What is Part D?
Part D is how Medicare provides prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries. Coverage is provided solely through private insurance carriers, and is available as a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) or as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Coverage is available for generic and name-brand drugs under a formulary. Plans are not allowed to discontinue coverage of a drug during the course of treatment. Plans must cover at least two drugs in each drug class, except for anorexia, facial hair, weight gain or loss, fertility, cosmetic drugs, cold medicine, vitamins and minerals, over the counter drugs, barbiturates or benzodiazepines. Plans must cover most or all drugs for antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipscyhotics, antiretrovirals, anticancer and immunosuppressants.