For many years now, IUPAT members have been asking for a “drug prescription card,” so that pharmacies could be paid directly for prescription drugs. Effective for all drug purchases commencing September 3, 2013, all IUPAT Ontario members in good standing will be issued a drug prescription card. With the card, the Trust Fund will apply generic pricing which means that your coverage will be limited to the generic equivalent included on a covered drug list, referred to as the Manulife Managed Formulary (MMF).
Many brand name drugs on the market have a generic equivalent. This does not mean that your health care will be negatively impacted in any way because in Canada, the generic drug has the same active chemical ingredients as a brand name drug. Generic substitution is the substitution of a less expensive drug for the originally prescribed brand name drug. This can be done by the pharmacist without the consent of your physician and is the normal practice of many pharmacists for a limited number of drugs.
Some drugs may require prior authorization. The prior authorization process helps to ensure that certain medications are being prescribed for a use that is covered under your plan. Additional information will be required prior to consideration of these drugs. Please contact the Benefit Plan Administrators office for the prior authorization forms.
The Trust Fund will cover a dispensing fee charge up to $6.50. A dispensing fee is the dollar amount charged by the pharmacist to fill prescriptions. To lessen the impact of any out-of-pocket expense, you should review your current dispensing fee charges with your pharmacist as fees vary among pharmacies. To avoid additional dispensing fees, you should consider purchasing a 90-day supply of a drug that you use regularly and on a long-term basis. The Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that the best interests of the membership are being met, and will continue in their efforts to improve the benefits made available to all Members and their covered Dependents.
As with any new program, there have been some preliminary issues with the implementation of the drug card. However, the issues are being worked on and should be corrected shortly.
If you have any questions regarding claims or your current eligibility status, please contact the Benefit Plan Administrators. Your Unique ID Number which appears on the Prescription Drug Card is the reference ID number to be used when making inquiries or submitting paper claims such as dental, vision, etc.
Visiting the Benefits Office
Office hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.
Benefit Plan Administrators Limited
130 B Toro Road, Toronto, Ontario M3J 3M9
Phone: 416-636-4700 • Toll Free: 1-888-863-2278
Fax: 416-636-4800 • Email: iupat@bpagroup.com
