Vol. XI, Issue 18
October 10, 2014
- Plan Sponsor Webconferences—September Recordings Available
- Catamaran Update—DEA Reclassifies Hydrocodone; Refills No Longer Permitted
Plan Sponsor Webconferences—September Recordings Available
Audio recordings of the September HealthFlex plan sponsor webconferences are now available. To replay a recording, dial 1-877-471-6587, enter the replay ID listed below, and then press the # symbol.
- September 23 call recording: 532842968013
- September 25 call recording: 532842968014
These topics were discussed:
- HealthFlex strategic direction
- Multi-year strategy 2016 and beyond
- Standalone offerings for Marketplace-insured participants
- Private exchange update
- Health care reform updates
- Wellness program updates
- 2015-16 plan benefit changes
- Businessolver and WageWorks transitions
- Medicare Secondary Payer Small Employer Exception (MSPSEE)
- Annual Election for 2015
This presentation was used during the webconference.
Catamaran Update—DEA Reclassifies Hydrocodone; Refills No Longer Permitted
In response to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) action to reclassify hydrocodone-combination drugs to a Schedule II controlled substance (formerly classified as Schedule III), Catamaran is no longer able to permit refills of drugs containing hydrocodone—effective October 6, 2014. This is true even if a previous prescription had remaining refills. This change is required to comply with DEA restrictions—it is not driven by HealthFlex or Catamaran business strategies.
Hydrocodone-containing medications are typically prescribed for pain management. Examples include Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Norco and generic equivalents. DEA’s decision to prohibit automatic refills aims to minimize potential misuse of these medications, while assuring that patients with severe pain retain reasonable access to the medications.
The new restriction impacts approximately 5% of the HealthFlex population. Impacted participants received this letter from Catamaran in late September. Participants will be required to see their prescribing physician and obtain a written prescription for each new hydrocodone fill; telephone or fax prescriptions for hydrocodone-containing medications will not be honored. Participants should contact Catamaran directly at 1-855-239-8471 with any questions.
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