Express Scripts is one of the country’s largest providers of Medicare prescription drug plans (PDP). On January 1st, 2022, Express Scripts Medicare members were transitioned to Cigna prescription drug plans. They offer three enrollment plans to Medicare beneficiaries.
Express Scripts Medicare plans
Unfortunately, Express Scripts is a provider that only offers prescription drug plans, so if you’re looking for a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Express Scripts Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
They offer three Part D prescription drug plans.
- Saver Plan
- Value Plan
- Choice Plan
Saver plan
The Saver is the coinsurance health plan offering the lowest premium for prescription drug costs. It also has a $0 deductible for most generic drugs in tier 1 & tier 2. The deductible for tier 3, tier 4, and tier 5 is $285. The Saver plan has over 2,900 medications on its formulary.
On the other hand, it has a higher copayment for beneficiaries than other prescription drug coverage plans.
| Pharmacy Type Days’ Supply |
Preferred Home Delivery 90 Days |
Preferred Retail 30 Days |
Standard Retail 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Preferred Generic Drugs |
$0 | $2 | $19 |
| Tier 2: Generic Drugs |
$0 | $7 | $20 |
| Tier 3: Preferred Brand Drugs |
$105 | $35 | $47 |
| Tier 4: Non-preferred Drugs |
50% | 50% | 50% |
| Tier 5: Specialty Drugs |
28% | 28% | 28% |
Value plan
The Value plan is known for offering a larger range of drug coverage. It also has a $0 deductible for most generic drugs. There’s a $0 deductible for tier 1, tier 2, and tier 6. The deductible for tier 3, tier 4, and tier 5 is $445. The Value plan has over 3,000 medications on its formulary (drug list).
| Tier 1: Preferred Generic Drugs |
$0 | $1 | $10-$19 |
| Tier 2: Generic Drugs |
$0 | $3-$9 | $12-$20 |
| Tier 3: Preferred Brand Drugs |
$60-$141 | $20-$47 | $26-$47 |
| Tier 4: Non-preferred Drugs |
46%-50% | 46%-50% | 46%-50% |
| Tier 5: Specialty Drugs |
25% | 25% | 25% |
| Tier 6: Select Care Drugs |
$0 | $0 | $5-$9 |
Choice plan
The Choice plan gives you the largest range of drug coverage. It also has a $0 deductible for most generic drugs. There’s a $0 deductible for tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, and tier 6. The deductible for tier 4, and tier 5 is $100. The Choice plan has over 3,100 medications on its formulary. Overall, brand-name drugs should also have cheaper cost-sharing amounts with this plan.
| Pharmacy Type Days’ Supply |
Preferred Home Delivery 90 Days |
Preferred Retail 30 Days |
Standard Retail 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Preferred Generic Drugs |
$0 | $2 | $10 |
| Tier 2: Generic Drugs |
$4 | $7 | $20 |
| Tier 3: Preferred Brand Drugs |
$126 | $42 | $47 |
| Tier 4: Non-preferred Drugs |
46%-50% | 46%-50% | 46%-50% |
| Tier 5: Specialty Drugs |
31% | 31% | 31% |
| Tier 6: Select Care Drugs |
$0 | $0 | $11 |
Express Scripts network of preferred pharmacies
The Saver healthcare plan preferred retail pharmacies include CVS, Walmart, and Kroger. The Value plan preferred retail pharmacies include Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger. The Choice plan preferred retail pharmacies include Walgreens and Kroger.
Express Scripts affiliated companies
Express Scripts Medicare pros and cons
Pros
- Large network of pharmacies
- One of the top PDP carriers
- Owned by Cigna
- Competitive plans in most states
Cons
- Tier 4 prescriptions have a coinsurance, not a predictable copay
- All plans require a deductible
FAQs
What is the Medco Medicare prescription plan?
Express Scripts owned MedCo, meaning that anything offered by MedCo was actually an Express Scripts plan. But the health insurance company Cigna purchased Express Scripts — and in turn MedCo — so anything with an Express Scripts or MedCo name is owned by Cigna.
Is MedCo the same as Express Scripts?
MedCo Health and Express Scripts have merged into one company. Because MedCo now operates as a subsidiary of Express Scripts, the company’s new focus is on prescription drugs and prescription drug plans.
Express Scripts will provide you with an ID card to use at pharmacies or wherever you purchase your prescriptions.
What is the difference in Saver, Value, and Choice in Express Scripts Medicare?
The main difference between the Saver, Value, and Choice plans is the range of drug coverage.
Is Express Scripts the same as Medicare Part D?
Yes, Express Scripts offers a Medicare Part D plan so that beneficiaries can enjoy access to cheaper prescriptions and save money.
What is the cost of a plan with MedCo?
To get an Express Scripts Part D drug plan, you will pay a minimum monthly premium of about $17 per month. However, the premium you pay heavily depends on which plan you get and where you live. The plans could be just shy of $100 a month on the highest end.
You can obtain additional information on plan costs with our licensed insurance agents.
What is a Part D coverage gap?
The Part D coverage gap, also called the “donut hole, ” is the initial coverage phase where you have to pay out of pocket for your prescriptions until you’ve met your coverage limit.
If this is causing you financial hardship, you can look for an Extra Help program from Medicare.
Where are Express Scripts plans offered?
Express Scripts Part D plans can be found in all 50 states in America, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Express Scripts is strictly Part D benefits for covered drugs, so you can’t get a Medicare Advantage plan through their brand name.
Can I use Express Scripts for mail-order prescriptions?
Absolutely! Express Scripts is the largest mail-order provider for prescription drugs in the United States. If you can’t regularly make it to the pharmacy, you can get your medicine refills delivered directly to your home through this prescription drug benefit.
Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Neither Medicare Part A nor Medicare Part B will pay for prescription drugs. Medicare coverage through supplement plans also doesn’t pay for this benefit. Some Medicare Advantage plans might cover your medicine, but
How to compare Express Scripts Part D prescription drug plans
Express Scripts Part D plans can be overwhelming to compare and understand. That’s why our team of licensed insurance agents is here to help you every step of the way.
Our agents will ensure that the plan covers all your current prescription medications at the lowest price.
So what are you waiting for? Call or complete our online rate form now, and let us help you find the best Express Scripts Part D plan for you.
