As previously communicated, the Health and Benefit Plan is transitioning from SAV-RX to MEDIMPACT as the new Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), effective Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Every active participant and early retiree has been mailed a new medical ID card, which now shows MedImpact on the right-hand side of the front of that card.
This update is important for your prescription coverage, so make sure to use the new card when picking up your medications on or after April 1, 2025. All other information on the card remains the same, but this small change is crucial for your prescriptions to be processed and billed correctly.
If you fail to replace your old card and attempt to use it at the pharmacy on or after April 1, 2025, your prescription will be denied. As stated directly above, your pharmacy needs the updated PBM information to process your claims correctly.
If, for some reason, you didn’t receive your new cards last month, don’t worry—just call the Fund Office, and we’ll order one for you. Alternatively, you can easily order it yourself through the CREATE system. But, if this whole thing is news to you, well… maybe it’s time to start reading Fund updates, newsletters, mailings, or attending educational and membership meetings. Just think of the other opportunities or updates you are missing by not making that a habit.
If you show up at the pharmacy without your new card, don’t panic (too much). You can access a virtual version through the Create app—assuming you've actually downloaded it. If not, well… why haven’t you? The app has been available for four years and seven months, so it’s not like you haven’t had plenty of time to tap a few buttons and get yourself set up.
And - no, we can’t download it for you. Actually, scratch that—we could have and would’ve been happy to if you had signed up for and attended last year’s Health and Benefit Fund educational meeting. But, alas, you didn’t. That’s the bad news. The good news? You’ve officially proven the old adage right—“You had to be there!”
Here’s the bottom line: If you haven’t done so already, find the mailing with your new medical ID cards. It’s the one with the bold red letters on the front that say “Important” and “Open Immediately. Read Thoroughly.” Open that envelope, detach your new medical ID cards, and swap out the old one. By taking this simple step, you’ll avoid the awkward pharmacy counter standoff and save yourself any future hassle. Trust us—you’ll be glad you did.
Now, if you are caught flat footed on this change, and are wondering why it has occurred, just know that the Board of Trustees has made this shift in an attempt to create potential savings for both participants and the Plan as a whole.
Why does this matter? Because when we save on healthcare costs, we strengthen the Plan for everyone. Every dollar saved means less money taken from the Health and Benefit Plan, allowing us to protect the benefits that matter most to you and your family. Rest assured, this transition isn’t just about cost—it’s about getting the most out of your healthcare, ensuring that your prescriptions remain accessible, affordable, and high-quality.
That said, no healthcare plan can replace the role we each play in our own well-being. Taking steps to improve and maintain your health—staying active, eating well, managing stress, and following medical advice—can have a lasting impact on your quality of life. If not for yourself, do it for your family, your loved ones, and your fellow IBEW members. A healthier membership means a stronger union, lower healthcare costs, and a better future for everyone.