Risk & Business Magazine California Fall 2017 | Page 31

PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE local resident . These packages tend to sail through customs without incident and land on people ’ s doorsteps , the same as any other online order .
Going through qualified , so-called “ Tier 1 ” pharmacies , employees routinely fill their prescriptions for free with no co-payments and employers save big too on their prescription plans . One of the main goals of self-funded healthcare plans , of course , is to maintain better control over costs , which prescription outsourcing does in spades . Since ScriptSourcing has been in business , in fact , there has never been an employer who has changed its mind about enrolling in the program or who has received the wrong prescription or lodged even a single complaint . The program works smoothly and is a certified winner .
Not only are prescriptions far less expensive with ScriptSourcing but it can also turn treatment options into bona fide vacations . You may be undergoing treatment for a serious health condition , but wouldn ’ t you rather do so amid the sunny beaches of the Cayman Islands than sitting at home , shivering through a Chicago winter ? As part of the company ’ s outsourcing protocols , if a treatment can be performed far less expensively by top physicians in other countries , the employee will be transported there , and the necessary transportation , housing , and medications will be provided . It may sound a little “ out there ,” but in these types of situations , ScriptSourcing continues to work with some of the best doctors and the treatment facilities available .
There are a few caveats , however , in outsourcing a company ’ s prescriptions this way :
• Prescriptions can be filled for no more than a 90-day supply .
• Packaging must be in English ( All suppliers are in English-speaking countries to begin with .).
• Prescriptions can only be filled for personal use — not commercial interests .
• The drug cannot be a narcotic or “ lifestyle ” drug .
• The medication must be FDA approved .
• A physician ’ s prescription is required .
• Pharmaceuticals that are heat- or cold-sensitive cannot be processed .
You may be an employer that has gone the traditional route for years , working with one of the large domestic insurance carriers and automatically signing on to its prescription drug coverage . The fact is that although selfinsurance is perceived as the province of large employers only , many smaller companies have increasingly been taking the plunge as well . If you have never explored this option or have been too leery of the risks involved , it may be worthwhile to take another look . Consult with a benefits specialist who has experience in self-funding and find out if it might work for you too . +
Gary Becker has been a benefit consultant specializing in self-insurance since 1985 and is the CEO of Becker Benefit Group , Inc . and ScriptSourcing , LLC . In 2009 , he created the first benefit captive in the Mid-Atlantic area , helping like-minded midsized employers transition from “ fully insured ” to self-funded ” to achieve transparency , control , and risk management . His tremendous success in risk management led to the formation of Scriptsourcing , LLC which is a solutions and engagement company helping employers slash the cost of maintenance name brand meds and specialty meds by 70-90 % while providing a $ 0 copay for health plan members . In 2017 , Mr . Becker established Achieve Health Alliance which is an exclusive benefit consortium for highly proactive benefit consultants and employers .
BY : GARY BECKER CEO BECKER BENEFIT & SCRIPTSOURCING
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