Welcome to Southeast Missouri State University's Benefits Website! If you have questions about the University's benefits, you may call Donna Spencer at (573) 651-2855. You may also e-mail us at benefits@semo.edu.
What's New
UnitedHealthcare Pharmacy Services Changing to OptumRx effective June 1, 2013
Prescription Drug List Update - July 1, 2013
Pharmacy Benefit Exclustion Update for July 1, 2013: Select Compounded Medications that Include Chemicals
Due to concerns about member safety and drug efficacy, select compounded medications, which include one or more of 19 non-FDA approved bulk chemicals, will be excluded from pharmacy benefit coverage effective July 1, 2013. Letters will be sent 60 and 30 days (depending on state requirements) prior to the exclusion implementation date to notify members that their compounded medication is no longer covered.
This exclusion has little member impact, with less than 4,000 members impacted overall. There are other FDA approved products that exist to treat medical conditions for which these compounds are often prescribed. These alternatives have proven safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Compounded medications are:
- Made by a pharmacist who mixes drugs into a specific dosage form, strength, or formulation that is not commercially available.
- Not pre-packaged; they are made up of individual chemicals combined together at the retail pharmacy.
Zoster Vaccine for Shingles – Important Information on UHC Plan Benefits
UHC members age 60 and older are eligible for the Zoster vaccine for shingles. UHC encourages members to receive this vaccine from their in-network physician's office rather than through a retail pharmacy as this vaccine is only covered under the UHC medical plan. The vaccine is not a covered benefit under the UHC prescription plan. To obtain the vaccine, the physician can contact Prescription Solutions at OptumRx by calling 1-866-218-7398. OptumRx will obtain the prescription from the provider and will ship the order to the physician's office. As mentioned above, the Zoster vaccine is a medical benefit and not a prescription benefit under the UHC plan. However, there are three in-network pharmacies which can provide the vaccine and bill the UHC medical plan - Walgreens, Rite Aid and Mollen Immunization Clinic. For more information, members can contact UHC customer service at 1-866-633-2446.
Benefits Plans Information for 2013
Benefits at a Glance
Patient Health Care Advocate
Benefit Help Desk
We hope that you will find everything you need to make better benefits and health care decisions. If you have questions about your University benefits, please email the Benefit Help Desk. A Human Resources Representative is available to respond to your email Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time). You may also call us: Donna Spencer at (573) 651-2855.