Pharmacy FAQs
- Who can use UHS Pharmacy?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- I'm a UMass employee who now has pharmacy benefits through CVS Caremark. Can I still use the UHS Pharmacy?
- Do I need to show an insurance card?
- What if I don’t have my insurance card?
- Can I fill a prescription from my healthcare provider at home?
- How do I transfer a prescription from another pharmacy to UHS?
- How do I transfer a prescription from UHS to another pharmacy?
- What if I’ll be away from campus for a while?
Who can use UHS Pharmacy?
Ongoing pharmacy services are available to registered students, faculty, staff and their dependents. The UHS pharmacy can only fill prescriptions written for patients who are currently registered and receiving services at UHS.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept many plans, including but not limited to: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, GIC, Health New England, Harvard Pilgrim, Paid Prescriptions, Medco, Tufts, and Tricare. If you have questions about a particular plan, call us!
I'm a UMass employee who now has pharmacy benefits through CVS Caremark. Can I still use the UHS Pharmacy?
On July 1, 2010, CVS Caremark became the new pharmacy benefit manager for all Group Insurance Commission (GIC) UniCare State Indemnity Plan members. Many people are confused about whether this change affects their choice of pharmacy. Here's what you need to know: You do not need to use a CVS pharmacy for your prescription drugs.
"The CVS Caremark network includes over 64,000 retail pharmacies…" notes the GIC. "You may get up to a 30-day supply of a prescription drug at any participating retail pharmacy," including the UHS Pharmacy.
Do I need to show an insurance card?
Bring your insurance card or a photocopy of the front and back of your card and present it at the time of service.
Many insurance plans have different cards for medical, dental and prescription coverage. If you’re not sure which one is your prescription card, bring them all in – we’ll help you!
What if I don’t have my insurance card?
To bill your insurance company for your prescription, we need to have some basic information. If you don't have a copy of your card, download the Prescription Insurance Information Form and fax the information to us.
Can I fill a prescription from my healthcare provider at home?
The UHS pharmacy can only fill prescriptions written for patients who are currently registered and receiving services at UHS.
Students on continuing prescriptions who have not been seen at UHS should schedule an appointment with one of our providers, who can coordinate their care while at school and assure that their future prescriptions can be filled at the UHS pharmacy.
How do I transfer a prescription from another pharmacy to UHS?
UHS Pharmacy will transfer most prescriptions from an outside pharmacy, provided that valid refills remain.
To do this, we’ll need the patient’s name and date of birth, the pharmacy name and telephone number and the prescription number or medication name.
The wait time for a transferred prescription may be longer; save time by calling ahead or faxing us the information.
How do I transfer a prescription from UHS to another pharmacy?
Contact the pharmacy you would like to have you prescription transferred to and request that they transfer your prescription. You may be asked to provide them with: the UHS Pharmacy name and phone number (413-577-5030); the patient’s name and date of birth; and the prescription number or medication name.
The rules and regulations governing prescription transfers vary by state and pharmacy. Ask the pharmacy you want your prescription filled at about any limitations or additional information that may be needed.
What if I’ll be away from campus for a while?
If you’ll be within the United States, you have a couple of options:
If you’ll be continuing as a registered student, we can arrange for most prescriptions to be delivered to your home for a nominal fee. Ask the pharmacy staff for details.
or
Contact your insurance carrier to request authorization for a travel supply; have your travel dates available when you call.
or
Transfer your prescription to a pharmacy near you.
If you’re leaving the United States ask your insurance company if they’ll allow a vacation override for the time you’ll be traveling; have your travel dates available when you call.
