Changes to the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan Design
As stewards for your member-centred health benefits plan, the ARTA Board of Directors is constantly striving to balance benefits and the cost of investing in the current and future health of members. As part of our rigorous annual plan review/design process, in 2016, ARTA identified areas where design changes would slow the annual escalation of benefit costs for the plan while still focusing on the health and quality of life of our members. Implementation of these changes also empowers you, as a member, to make decisions that support the long-term sustainability of our valued benefit plan.
The ARTA Board has approved the following changes to the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan design:
- the introduction of Therapeutic Alternative Reference Pricing (TARP) for select medications [effective January 1, 2017, with one additional medication category added February 1, 2017.]
- five dispensing fee limits for nine different maintenance medication categories [effective January 1, 2017.]
- an Enhanced Special Authorization (ESA) process for specialty drugs treating five health conditions [effective January 1, 2017.]
- chronic hepatitis C Chronic Hepatitis C - Enhanced Special Authorization form
- Crohn’s and colitis Crohn’s and Colitis - Enhanced Special Authorization form
- multiple sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis - Enhanced Special Authorization form
- psoriasis Psoriasis - Enhanced Special Authorization form
- rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis - Enhanced Special Authorization form
- an adjustment to over-the-counter medication coverage including the removal of non-life-sustaining medications [effective January 1, 2017.]
Additional information on these changes can be found on the following document: Important Changes to Your ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan
Specific questions regarding your prescribed medications should be directed to your physician or pharmacist.