University Human Resources

Prescription Drug Coverage

Optum Rx is Brown University's pharmacy benefit provider. Employees are automatically enrolled in prescription coverage once they enroll in one of Brown's health plans.

The Optum/RX retail pharmacy network includes more than 68,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including national pharmacy chains and independent community pharmacies. With home delivery options and helpful online resources, Optum/RX strives to save you time and money.

Subscriber ID cards are sent to employees’ home addresses and should be presented for all prescription drug purchases.

Medication Coverage

The Prescription Formulary

OptumRx uses a formulary, which is a list of all covered drugs. There is also a summary of the three-tier copayment structure. Some drugs have quantity limits or other requirements before they can be dispensed under the formulary.  Also, as new drugs come to market, they are reviewed by OptumRx’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, which is made up of pharmacists, physicians and nurses to help ensure that the formulary is medically sound and that it supports patient health.

January 1, 2024 OptumRx Formulary

Please log in to www.OptumRx.com to see the latest formulary reflecting any additions. 

Excluded Medications

The formulary excludes certain medications that have one or more preferred alternatives. For excluded medications, first consult with your doctor about switching to the alternative medication(s).

If there is a medical necessity that requires you to take the excluded medication, ask your doctor to submit a letter of medical necessity explaining why you must take the excluded medication. Please have your physician phone the OptumRx PA Department at 1-866-441-2422 to initiate this process and provide medical necessity documentation.

Contact OptumRx Customer Service at the dedicated Brown University toll-free member phone number 1-866-441-2422 for more information on submitting an appeal.

OptumRx 2024 Formulary Exclusions

Specialty Medication Co-Pay Assistance

Brown has partnered with PillarRx to assist employees and family members who take specialty medications for complex or chronic medical conditions. If you or your covered spouse or dependent take a specialty medication through OptumRx for which the Copay Assistance program is available, you will receive information directly from PillarRx. You may contact PillarRx at 636-614-3126 to determine if your specialty medication is eligible for financial support.

Optum/RX Informational Flyers

OptumRx CVS90 Program

This program allows you to get 90-day supplies of your medications at nearly 9,700 CVS Pharmacy locations or through OptumRx home delivery.

OptumRx CVS90