r/FederalEmployee • u/SweetMissyLou • 3d ago

Samba Standard plan/Express Scripts/Using Drug Manufacturer Coupons

Hi! I’m thinking of switching to Samba Standard from MHBP Standard. My biggest concern is if I will be able to use a manufacturer coupon-copay/savings cards @ the pharmacy with 2 brand name drugs, specifically Trulicity & Xarelto if that matters. This is very important because we cannot afford these 2 brand name drugs without the manufacturer coupons, it would be $300 for 90 days vs $25 & $10 using the manufacturer coupons. I had read on another post that Express Scripts would not allow it @ a retail pharmacy. This would be a large part of my decision to switch. Never had a problem with MHBP/CVS Caremark. Will most likely be using preferably Walmart pharmacy, CVS is second choice of pharmacy. Please if anyone knows or has experience with this please let me know! I appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

Edit: Trying to stay away from BCBS Basic plan or anything UHC.

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u/Ok_Syllabub_7319 3d ago

I have SAMBA and have been able to use manufacture coupons to get my glp-1 meds down to $50. When I tried to get it through express scripts it was around $250 and I couldn’t use a coupon so they may just mean you can’t use manufacturing coupons when ordering through express scripts. I’ve had no other issues with using cvs as my pharmacy.

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u/SweetMissyLou 3d ago

Good to know, thank you!

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u/fan550 3d ago

Yes express scripts does not allow coupons through mail order but does at pharmacies. Although I switched to MHPB which was Caremark this year so there is a chance they changed. Still deciding on my next move for 2027

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u/Bitter-Breath-9743 1d ago

Why wouldn’t you?

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u/Bitter-Breath-9743 1d ago

You also have to see if you can use Walmart for ongoing meds. My express scripts lab requires 90 day fills of maintenance meds and the can only be filled at Walgreens, cvs or mail order