UHS Plan Will Cover Prescription Drugs

University Health Services (UHS) implemented changes yesterday that will greatly increase prescription drug coverage at Harvard.

University students and affiliates will be eligible for coverage of up to a total of $3,750, which will fall under the annual Student Health Fee—a $1,020 charge. There will be a co-payment of $10 per 30-day supply of a generic drug and $20 per 30-day supply of a name-brand drug.

Previously, the UHS plan did not cover an individual’s first $750 in drug costs.

UHS Director David S. Rosenthal ’59 called the change “a major achievement” and said it had been much in demand from University students.

Under the plan, prescriptions may be purchased at the UHS pharmacy in Holyoke Center—where the co-payment can be termbilled—or at any CVS pharmacy. Students will also be reimbursed for covered prescriptions filled overseas in an emergency.

In order to purchase prescription drugs, students and affiliates will have to use a prescription ID card that will be mailed to them after registration.

But not all drugs will be covered. Contraceptive devices, cosmetic drugs and allergy serums are among those for which the co-payment will not apply.

Coverage will extend from Aug. 1, 2002 until July 31, 2003 next year, which also represents a change in policy. Fall term coverage used to begin in September, which Rosenthal said was too late for athletes and other students who come to school before the semester begins.

In addition, students and affiliates covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), the insurance company used by Harvard, gained two other benefits yesterday.

The number of covered mental health therapy visits with a BCBS participating provider per calendar year will increase from eight to 12.

BCBS will also have 80 percent coverage for up to $1,500 of chiropractic care per illness or injury, after a deductible of $25 for the academic year, providing a service did not exist before.

—Staff writer Eugenia B. Schraa can be reached at schraa@fas.harvard.edu.