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Prescription FAQs
I have included some questions below I received and continue to receive regarding our Prescription (Rx) Coverage. Our Rx coverage is through Optum Rx (as stated on your medical card). As mentioned in previous emails, Rx coverage has changed drastically in the last 5 years (for the better most will say) and Amazon is right now the most affordable way of filling multiple Rxs, ($5.00 a month for an unlimited number of prescriptions). Many retail pharmacies, e.g., CVS are now offering some deals in order to compete in the market.

Click here to review FAQs on Amazon's Rx program which is officially named:

Amazon Prime Prescription Savings Program (APPSP).

-You NEED to be a Prime Member in order to be eligible for this program and the monthly RxPass Program (mentioned below).

-As is the case with any benefit, there are restrictions. Click here to view all the restrictions associated with this program.

-This program applies to a one-time Rx (whether ordered online through Amazon Rx or filled in person at a retail pharmacy) or mail order (There is a specific Amazon program for Mail Order explained below).

You will need to print your individualized Amazon Prime Rx Savings card (example below) and show it at the pharmacy in order to use the program at a retail pharmacy. Click here to see all of the 60,000+ pharmacies that participate (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Shop-Rite, etc.). Feel free to contact me directly via email melissa@nywaterway.com or cell/text 718-722-1177 if you need any assistance with this process.
What Should be my first step in filling a Rx?

  • Make sure there is a generic available. Most Rxs in 2023 have generics available, over 90% as of today. NY Waterway does not cover Brand name Rxs, which are usually 10X more expensive just because they first patented the drug. Once the patent expires, generics become available. NY Waterway will only cover Brand if there is NO generic drug available and your doctor informs us that this particular drug is the only drug that works for you. Amazon's deepest discounted program, RxPass (more information below) only covers generic medications.

  • Setting aside emergency situations, see which plan is cheaper for you, Amazon or our Optum Rx plan, the pharmacist can tell you. You may even find that some Rxs are free through the retail pharmacy (the retail pharmacy gets paid by the drug manufacture directly). These are usually maintenance drugs, e.g. high blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin, etc. Some of you have already shared this with me. Again, this is a way retail pharmacies are competing in the market with Amazon.

How do I use Mail Order and what company do I use?

  • As previous mentioned starting last year, Amazon is our mail order Rx company. Amazon is now the premier Rx mail order company in the United States (we had Walgreens up until December of 2022)

Amazon has a specific program called RxPass for Mail Order
Click here to access this program through Amazon.
($5.00 a month for an unlimited number of prescriptions)
  • Mail order has been around for decades. It is geared towards Maintenance medications, it is more affordable than going to a retail pharmacy each month and the medication(s) get automatically delivered to your home at no charge.

There are many more details about these plans and Rx processing, again, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.