 |
 |
If I am enrolled in VA health care, what benefits will I receive?
|
 |
|
You are eligible for inpatient and outpatient services, including
preventive and primary care, rehabilitation, mental health and substance
abuse treatment, home health, respite and hospice care, and
prescription medications. You may be required to make a co-payment for
these services.
|
|
|
|
What is a Formulary?
|
|
|
The formulary is a comprehensive list of approved medications. Like all health care systems, VA will
provide medications that are on the formulary. This list has been carefully developed to include a full range of medications necessary to treat a variety of conditions.
If your current medication is not
on the formulary your VA provider will discuss alternative treatments available to you through VA. You can view our complete formulary by visiting our website:
www.va.gov/visns/visn02/formulary
|
|
|
|
Can I get medication not on the Formulary?
|
|
|
Under certain conditions, you may be prescribed a drug that
does not appear on the formulary. Your VA provider may request this
non-formulary medication for you by completing a special request
form. The non-formulary medication request must be approved by
a committee. Your VA provider will inform you of a disapproval of a
non-formulary medication request and discuss the use of alternative
formulary agents with you.
|
|
|
|
Can I get prescriptions from my private physician filled at a VA pharmacy?
|
|
|
No. In order to receive medication
from VA, a VA health care
provider must treat you and prescribe
your medication. VA health
care providers will work closely with
your private physician to provide
you with continuity of care. It is
important for you to supply your VA
provider with your medical records
from your private physician.
|
|
|
|
Who can write my prescriptions?
|
|
|
The VA pharmacy will only honor prescriptions written by your
VA provider(s). VA cannot fill prescriptions that are written by private
physicians.
|
|
|
|
Will the VA pay for a prescription filled at a non-VA pharmacy?
|
|
|
No. VA is not responsible for payment of outside physician’s fees or
medication. You or your private insurance company is responsible for
these costs.
|
|
|
|
How do I get my medication(s)?
|
|
|
Newly prescribed formulary medication(s) can be picked up at the
VA pharmacy or can be mailed to your home. Prescriptions that are
mailed come from a centralized pharmacy affiliated with your VA facility.
Prescriptions that are mailed usually arrive within 14 days.
|
|
|
|
How do I get refills?
|
|
|
Refills are processed through the mail and not for pickup at the pharmacy window. They should be requested at least three weeks before you run out of medication. Maintenance medication should be re-ordered as soon as it is received. This will allow ample time for processing and delivery. Please be sure to keep VA informed of any changes in your address that would result in your medications being
delayed/shipped incorrectly.
If your VA provider has approved refills on your prescription, you can request your refill by:
- Using a touch-tone phone to call our automated refill request
system. These numbers are listed on page 7.
- Completing and mailing the refill request slip that comes with
each prescription.
- Leaving the refill slip with the pharmacy.
- Utilizing My HealtheVet, the online health portal for veterans
at www.myhealth.va.gov. Veterans who want to order prescriptions
online need to be registered users and verified in person
(see the Web site for further information).
|
|
|
|
What if there are no refills remaining?
|
|
|
If you do not have any refills remaining, and need to continue the
medication, please contact your provider as early as possible for a
renewal.
|
|
|
|
What if I have questions about my medications?
|
|
|
During normal business hours, call VA outpatient pharmacy and
ask to speak to a pharmacist. The telephone number of the pharmacy
can be found on your prescription bottle.
|
|
|
|
Refilling Your Prescription(s)
|
|
|
Please refill your prescription(s) through the nearest VA facility.
When ordering, you will need your social security number and the prescription
number(s) (Rx #). Remember to allow 2-3 weeks for processing
and delivery.
|
