Pharmacy
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Pharmacy networks
Blue Shield of California commercial plans have two pharmacy network types: Rx Ultra and Rx Spectrum. Both networks provide you with access to over 68,000 convenient retail pharmacies nationwide including grocery, discount, and drug stores.
Rx Ultra network is the pharmacy network type for Individual and Family Plans, Covered California plans, most Small Business plans, and most Large Group plans. This network allows you to visit any participating network pharmacy. You will be responsible for the copay or coinsurance listed in your benefits. If your plan has a deductible, that could impact what you pay.
For Small Business and most Large Group plans, you can obtain up to a 90-day supply of maintenance medications from any participating network pharmacy (Rx90 Retail). You will be responsible for the copay or coinsurance listed in your benefits. If your plan has a deductible, that could impact what you pay.
If you already have pharmacy benefits through Blue Shield of California, you can log in to search the pharmacy network that pertains to your current plan.
Rx Spectrum is the pharmacy network type for Small Business Trio HMO plans, and Small Business Tandem PPO plans, and select Large Group plans with the Rx Spectrum rider. This network offers cost savings when you fill a prescription at one of these preferred pharmacies: CVS Pharmacy, Costco, Safeway, and Vons. You can still use non-preferred network pharmacies, but you could pay a higher cost share for your prescriptions.
For Small Business and most Large Group plans, you can obtain up to a 90-day supply of maintenance medications from any participating network pharmacy (Rx90 Retail). You will be responsible for the copay or coinsurance listed in your benefits. If your plan has a deductible, that could impact what you pay.
If your Blue Shield Plan has the Rx Spectrum pharmacy network, get started on saving with one of these links:
- Find an Rx Spectrum pharmacy
- Learn more about Rx Spectrum (PDF, 36 KB)
Medicare pharmacy network
Find a pharmacy in our Blue Shield of California Medicare network
$31 per prescription
Saved on average by switching to a generic drug
up to 90-day
Supplies at retail and mail service pharmacies
$0
Shipping when ordering from our mail service pharmacy
Learn about prescription drug coverage and view our formularies. You can also learn about the differences between preferred generic and brand-name medications covered under your outpatient prescription drug benefit.
Our prescription drug formularies are updated monthly and formulary change announcements are updated quarterly. You can read about the recent changes.
Have questions? Check out formulary FAQs.
Member resources
Learn more about your Blue Shield pharmacy benefits and how to use them.
Drug prior authorizations
Learn about our prior authorization process as well as how to file an appeal or grievance
Health Care Reform (ACA) preventive health drugs
Discover more about ACA preventive health drug coverage
Price Check my Rx
Learn how you can compare the cost of your medications against other available options through your online account.
Pharmacist provider services
Learn more about Blue Shield of California’s pharmacist provider network
Drug/benefits claims FAQs
Learn more about your benefits and claims including vacation supply ordering and safe disposal of old drugs
MULTIPLAN_23_392A_C 08222023
Page last updated: 10/01/2023
© Blue Shield of California 1999-2023. All rights reserved. Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Shield Association.
This information is not a complete description of benefits.
1 Specialty medications and opioids are limited to a 30-day supply.
The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.
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