Healthcare: OptumRx to replace Express Scripts as the prescription drug benefit manager

ATTENTION: Beginning January 1, 2018, OptumRX is replacing Express Scripts as the prescription drug benefit manager.

Why the change? 

In 2016, CWA and other public sector union representatives brought forward a proposal to change the management of the prescription system, so that the State is not being over-billed by the Pharmacy Benefits Manager. The state initially resisted the proposed change, but the unions persisted and finally won state cooperation by demonstrating that New Jersey had the opportunity to save over $1 billion dollars without any changes to worker health care benefits.

What does that mean for me and my family?

For nearly all of our members it will simply have a new prescription drug card in your wallet with no change in drugs coverage. Members will receive more information directly from OptumRx during the implementation process, including a welcome letter and OptumRx ID cards to be mailed to member home addresses.