HSTA VEBA

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
FAQs by Category

General
Benefits
Prescription Drugs
Retirees
Regarding New HMSA

Prescription Drugs

Q: Who is Catalyst Rx?
A: Catalyst Rx is a pharmaceutical benefits manager. They are the claims administrators for the prescription drug benefit. They work directly with the pharmacies to ensure that a member’s prescription is processed properly.
Q: Who is the mail order pharmacy for this plan?
A: The mail order pharmacy is Longs Drugs. Mail order forms may be picked up at HMA’s office, Longs Drugs or the HSTA VEBA Trust office.
Q: What happens to existing mail order prescriptions with HMSA?
A: Catalyst Rx has requested that HMSA assist in transferring those prescriptions to Longs Drug Mail Order Honolulu.
Q: What is a member’s copayment for a 30 day supply?
A: For generic and insulin, the copayment is $5.00. For brand name drugs, the copayment is $15.00.
Q: What is a member’s copayment for a 90 day supply via mail order?
A: For generic, the copayment is $9.00. For brand name drugs, the copayment is $27.00.
Q: Which pharmacies in Hawaii accept Catalyst Rx subscribers?
A: See the Participating Provider list on the homepage or log on to the Catalyst Rx Website.
Q: Under the current medical/drug plan, I could get a 90 day supply at a retail pharmacy. Will I still be able to get that?
A: No, to get a 90 day supply, it must be a maintenance drug and you must use the Longs Drug mail order program. However, there will be cost savings as the retail cost of a 90 day supply was $15 for generic and $45 for brand name.
Q: Under the current medical/drug plan, I could call HMSA with a question regarding a prescription drug. Why do I have to call Catalyst Rx and not HMA?
A: Under your current medical/drug plan, HMSA utilized Medco as the pharmaceutical benefits manager and HMSA agreed to handle all customer service calls. Medco was responsible for the claims process and payments to pharmacies, just as Catalyst Rx is responsible for dispensing and claims filing from the pharmacies to the HSTA VEBA Trust. Catalyst Rx has its own customer service staff to handle questions regarding the prescription drugs.
Q: Can a member submit the drug receipt directly to Catalyst Rx for reimbursement?
A: No. Direct reimbursement is limited to emergency prescription drugs that a member must pick up from a pharmacy out of state while traveling.
Q: Are there participating providers on the mainland and other countries?
A: There are participating providers on the mainland U.S. but not in other countries.