Human Resources
SilverScript Option for Medicare-Eligible Retirees
For general information about the state of Iowa's health insurance plans, go the DAS Health Insurance Web
If you are a Medicare-eligible member the Wellmark plans offered by the state of Iowa group, you have the option of coordinating pharmacy benefits with one particular Part D plan called SilverScript Value (formerly SilverScript Basic). This coordination between Wellmark and SilverScript results in a monthly premium savings to you.
SilverScript is available with four Wellmark plans.
- Blue Access
- Blue Advantage
- Iowa Select
- Program 3 Plus
SilverScript is not available for members enrolled in Deductible 3 Plus.
Joining SilverScript is not considered leaving the state of Iowa's health insurance group. You are only adding additional pharmacy coverage to your Wellmark Plan. Because you still have the state's health plan:
- Your pharmacy benefits remain the same
- No up-front deductible
- No gap or "donut hole"
You continue to pay Wellmark's copays for your prescriptions, like you always have.
| Prescription Drugs Copays | Program 3 Plus |
Iowa Select |
Blue Access Blue Advantage |
| Retail - Preferred generic - Preferred brand name - Non-preferred brand or generic |
$5 copay $15 copay $30 copay |
$5 copay $15 copay $30 copay |
$5 copay $15 copay $30 or 25% (whichever is higher) |
| Mail Order - Preferred generic - Preferred brand name - Non-preferred brand or generic |
$10 copay $30 copay $60 copay |
$10 copay $30 copay $60 copay |
$10 copay $30 copay $60 copay |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum - Single - Family |
$250 $500 |
$250 $500 |
No separate out-of-pocket |
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Cost of SilverScript
The 2009 SilverScript monthly premium, for Medicare-eligible retirees in Iowa, is $31.80 ($63.60 per Medicare-eligible couple.). The cost may be different in other states. SilverScript is available to anyone who has Medicare, this includes your spouse, even if you do not have Medicare.
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Wellmark Premium Savings
This coordination between Wellmark and SilverScript Basic results in a monthly premium savings to you. Following are the 2009 Medicare-eligible health premiums for retirees enrolled in SilverScript.
2009 Health Insurance Premiums for Medicare-Eligible Retirees with SilverScript
The savings in the Wellmark premium is significant. You can save anywhere from $55.33 to $280.27per month in Wellmark premiums (depending upon health plan and coverage level.)
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Enrollment in SilverScript
Enrollment in SilverScript is voluntary.
You may enroll in the coordinated Part D plan, SilverScript, by contacting SilverScript at 1-866-808-7475 when you first become Medicare eligible OR each year during the annual enrollment and change period November 15 - December 31.) You may also enroll if you are age 65 or have Medicare at the time of your retirement.
SilverScript representatives can enroll you right over the phone, no application is needed. When you call SilverScript tell them you are with the state of Iowa's retiree group. You may also need to have your Medicare card handy. When you enroll, SilverScript will notify Wellmark of your enrollment and Wellmark will reduce your premium.
You must enroll in SilverScript before the month you want coverage to be effective.
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SilverScript Process
When you enroll in SilverScript, SilverScript becomes the primary payor for prescription drugs and the state of Iowa’s pays as secondary.
When you enroll in SilverScript you will not notice any difference in your prescription drug coverage. You will still pay your prescription copayments according to your Wellmark plan, like you always have.
You will have two ID cards – Wellmark and SilverScript. You will use this SilverScript identification card in addition to your Wellmark identification card at the pharmacy. You must show both of these identification cards at the pharmacy for claims to be filed correctly. Tell your pharmacist to file your claim first under the SilverScript card, and then under your state of Iowa Wellmark plan card. Under the coordinated pharmacy benefits, SilverScript will pay your claims as primary and the state of Iowa Wellmark plan will pay as secondary. You need to make sure your pharmacy files your claims this way in order to receive the correct state of Iowa plan copayments.
If you are not charged your usual copay amount, the pharmacist did not file your prescription to both cards.
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SilverScript Customer Service
Once you are enrolled in SilverScript, you can can contact SilverScript's customer service area at
1-800-678-1853.
When SilverScript sends you mailings about your pharmacy benefits, you can disregard any information on the plan design of SilverScript. You do not have SilverScripts copayments, deductible, or gap/"donut hole."
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For More Information
Contact Rachel Orris at 1-515-281-6124 if you have any questions or need additional information.
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