Lauren Suchman, a DSC Program Rep for Anthropology, has bravely trawled the mysterious depths of NYSHIP. Following up on Jennifer Prince’s post looking into co-pay-free birth control, Suchman tried to get some answers from NYSHIP providers…

When I called United Healthcare (which is where I was directed through the NYSHIP website for regular medical benefits), my call was directed, unbeknownst to me, to Medco/Express Scripts. Apparently, this is who handles our prescriptions, though the United Healthcare website does not seem to list them. (A search for “prescription drugs” on the website only tells you to “refer to vendor.”)

The representative I spoke with at Medco/Express Scripts looked up the contraceptive I requested and was able to quote me a price for both pharmacy pick-up and 90-day mail order (big savings!), and he directed me to the company’s website where I could register to look up benefits on my own, and also place online prescription orders. The site has a helpful “Price a Medication” option on the left sidebar that allows you to search any medication and find out how much your co-pay will be.

Sadly, when I asked the representative if he could direct me to information on which prescriptions will be free starting in 2013, he couldn’t. I tried searching the site on my own as well, but I just don’t think this list exists. In the meantime, though, I suggest people register on the Medco/Express Scripts website, where they can search individual prescriptions and also download a full list (the 2013 Flexible Formulary Drug List) of medications covered under NYSHIP.

DSC Health & Wellness will be following up on the question of how to get free birth control through NYSHIP. Please feel free to send us any other questions or concerns you have, or to share any health & wellness tips and suggestions you might have!