VA Prescriptions and Experiences

Former MiTT Team Leader

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Registered Member
ALL_ once again “think” fantastic idea, as not each “individual” US DVA System such as Gulf Coast VA-VISN16 in fact has the same set or “standard” formulary available across the United States…..hummph…

As I believe someone stated in another post-thread this web-site “veterans” have seen “pharmaceutical representatives” (salespeople) at the US DVA Gulf Coast VA Mobile Alabama Outpatient Clinic visiting staff on Mental Health floor which should simply not have been case….

Furthermore, if one follows the link from above at Forums Transition Forum: Veterans Affairs and SSDI Veterans Affairs, SSDI, and other Benefits VA News FeedsVA, Walgreens collaborate to improve care coordination for Veterans” Thread starter Physical Evaluation Board Forum Start date Friday at 11:52 AM

It leads one to:

Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs-VA, Walgreens collaborate to improve care coordination for Veterans” August 17, 2018, 11:52:00 AM Printable Version Need Viewer Software? Web-address: https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5095 accessed on 20 AUG 2018 appx. 1347 AM below [“italics” ] copied in entirety from listed US DVA website above:

[VA, Walgreens collaborate to improve care coordination for Veterans
WASHINGTON
— As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) efforts to improve care coordination for Veterans, the department is working with pharmacy services provider Walgreens to coordinate patient and pharmaceutical care for VA-enrolled patients.
With the click of a button, VA providers will be able to see the entire medication and immunization history of VA-enrolled patients who receive their prescription and immunization needs at Walgreens.
“This arrangement is the first of its kind and it’s a strong collaboration,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Partnerships like this will help VA continue to improve the way we care for Veterans.”
As it expands its community care program, VA actively refines its ability to track medication prescribed by community providers. Prior to the arrangement, VA providers would ask patients to inform them about medications filled at Walgreens. With the VA-Walgreens exchange, VA providers can now easily view medications directly that are prescribed to VA-enrolled patients by community providers and filled at Walgreens pharmacies.
For the past five years, VA and Walgreens have partnered to provide flu shots at no cost for enrolled Veterans, improving vaccination rates and access to immunizations.
VA exchanges standards-based medical information securely and electronically with participating community health care partners, such as Walgreens, to ensure the best possible care coordination and medication management. Currently, VA exchanges health information with over 170 community health care partners, representing 1,288 hospitals, 537 Federally Qualified Health Centers, 261 nursing homes, 8,649 pharmacies (including over 8,000 Walgreens pharmacies) and over 22,431 clinics.
Additional information about the VA Health Information Exchange Program can be found online at www.va.gov/vler. ###”
]

I believe “Walgreens” and not CVS, etc… is also the or a “preferred” provider now for TRICARE Express Scripts as well….. but hard to keep track of as “constantly” changes every so often……

Furthermore, know a “local” “Veteran” that has had nothing but problems at the local “Walgreens” Pharmacy, in say “Fairhope-AL” since was thrown into “heinous” 1-Star Gulf Coast VA System/VISN-16 long time ago…..

For those interested might want to see: PEBForum Forums Resources and Files Department of Defense RegulationsExpress Scripts Issue's Fexofinidene (allegria) -All Vet's Retirees Out There-Question?????” as well as Forums Transition Forum: Veterans Affairs and SSDI Veterans Affairs, SSDI, and other Benefits VA News Feeds “Veterans TEE' up for 25th anniversary golf tournament sponsored by VA & DAV” for as stated in Post # 3 [From Post- #2 above- “Chaplain Gary Yarberry/[email protected](228)523-4359”- VET know Was told Chaplain Yarberry was in fact retired as well as “former” less than helpful “US DVA Caregiver Program Head” Loren Montgomery…but via Gulf Coast Web-sites…seems might be “re-hiring” those possibly forced leave- “retire” -Gulf Coast VA/VISN16, as other Federal Agencies are doing per various media…humph….]

Local veteran just received word during their VTC that in fact Gulf Coast VA System-VISN-16 is in fact “rehiring” or brining back some “less-than-helpful” employees…. Just as other Federal Agencies are in the media…..hummph… what does this solve at the 1-Star Gulf Coast VA System….??????

Also, I believe it was asked at other threads/post’s such as, perhaps: Forums PEB and Disability Evaluation System Overview Physical Evaluation Board System Overview News FeedsQuestion about Title V provision in NDAA 2019”:

How many US Military Senior NCO’s and Filed Grade Officers in the United States utilize US DVA Care in general and how many US Federal “elected” officials utilize the US DVA?” IMO- “leadership” by “example” is “supposedly” prized more than anything- particularly in combat, or used to be, and how can one truly understand an “issue” or problem, unless one set’s their own eyes-gaze on it regularly, and speaks “frankly” with those whom utilize all the time?????? I do believe a “former” US DVA Secretary, per media, themselves, got out on streets of huge Urban Center’s and spoke directly with “homeless” veterans- is this the “exception?” Furthermore, per whole “host” retired Field Grade and Senior NCO’s- IMO- some of whom, do not even utilize US DVA or for their own individual “agenda-intents and purposes” they “take” issue whole host of things like “Veteran Compensation” and/or other US Veteran’s benefits….. and what is worse make in some cases “policy” recommendations to those in local, State. Federal Government…..humph???????

Finally, -IMO- if the US DVA, is “good” enough for the “Primer” US Government’s State Department Officials, then should it not be good enough for ALL….. food for thought/discussion…perhaps?????

Well- hopefully, ALL- some things that might spawn some thought/discourse among US Peon Veteran’s out there….???????

PS: Might want to see “food-for” thought/example:

The Wealth of Nations” from “google-ebook-free” and “Princeton University Library” for example only at web-address: https://books.google.com/books/abou...ver&source=kp_read_button#v=onepage&q&f=false accessed on 20 AUG 2018 appx. 1428 PM EDT

AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF THE WEALTH OF NATIONS” by Adam Smith “AN ELECTRONIC CLASSICS SERIES PUBLICATION” for example only at web-address: https://eet.pixel-online.org/files/etranslation/original/The Wealth of Nations.pdf accessed on 20 AUG 2018 appx. 1430 PM EDT (see attached file downloaded from cited web-address above “The Wealth of Nations.pdf”)

Or all just might be as at YouTube Video search words-“pink panther is this your dog” at web-address for example only: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pink+panther+is+this+your+dog and further from above menu- “Does your dog bite? / Do you have a 'reum'?” at YouTube Video, for example only, web-address:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnXtuktNdlM
(accessed on 20 AUG 2018 appx. 1437 PM EDT)

ANYBODY ELSE HAVING DIFFICULTIES THIS SITE>>?????
 

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ALL- thought would post here, as well- as is more relevant and a supplement to issues from PEBForum-Forums
Transition Forum: Veterans Affairs and SSDI Veterans Affairs, SSDI, and other Benefits VA Benefits "Issues with VA's Progress One Year Since Enactment of the Historic Law"originally posted at PBEForum Thread- Forums Transition Forum: Veterans Affairs and SSDI Veterans Affairs, SSDI, and other Benefits VA News Feeds Appeals Modernization: VA's Progress One Year Since Enactment of the Historic Law” Thread starter Physical Evaluation Board Forum Start date Thursday at 6:52 PM and moved some reason "hopefully" not accused "hijacking a post" as was not inetent etc...... anyway, see below from link in Thread:

Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs- Appeals Modernization: VA’s Progress One Year Since Enactment of the Historic Law” August 23, 2018, 05:52:00 PM Printable Version Need Viewer Software? For example only at web-address: https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5098 accessed on 26 AUG 2018, appx. 01009 AM EDT and below cited/ copied in full, from above web-address in “italics”:

“Appeals Modernization: VA’s Progress One Year Since Enactment of the Historic Law
WASHINGTON
— Today marks one year since President Donald J. Trump signed into law one of the most significant statutory changes in decades to affect the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans it serves.
The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Appeals Modernization Act) was signed Aug. 23, 2017, aimed at transforming a complex, frustrating appeals process into one that is simple, timely and transparent.
“Before reform, Veterans experienced a complicated appeals system that was buried in several layers of law,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “The Appeals Modernization Act has since allowed VA, with the help of our partners, to design a new process that offers greater choice to Veterans and faster decisions from VA.”
Today, VA is working toward full implementation of the law, scheduled to take effect in February 2019. The new system features three differentiated lanes from which a claimant may choose in seeking review of a VA denial (or partial denial):

  • Higher-level review;
  • Supplemental claim;
  • Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) --.
Veterans are already benefitting from the new process. In November 2017, VA began the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP). RAMP allows Veterans with an eligible, active appeal to choose between two of the three new lanes now. Implementation of BVA’s appeals lane for Veterans who have appealed their RAMP decision by VBA is expected to begin in October 2018.
To date, more than 40,000 Veterans have chosen RAMP, and more than $45 million in retroactive benefits has been paid to Veterans. Additionally, BVA has issued more than 73,000 decisions thus far in fiscal year 2018, a historic high, and is on track to deliver over 81,000 decisions to Veterans by the end of the fiscal year.
For more information about VA’s appeals modernization process, go to https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/appeals.asp.”


While, the “intent” of this law is very good for US Veterans, do not see it being “implemented” IMO the manner intended as per usual with US DVA…….
Once again know “local” Alabama Veteran whom called the US DVA Veterans Board of Appeals twice supposedly at Phone # 800-923-8387, and not only received “unsatisfactory” answers from phone “agents” but also was told a Veterans Board of Appeals Judge had both of their “issues” in hand and was working them. Come to find out, supposedly both issues were in fact split up by a “stand-in judge” one was decided apparently within days of phone call, mailed the same day as “stand-in” judge rendered decision”- “denial” of course- and received in LA- “Lower Alabama” by said veteran less than 48-hours later by US Postal Service Delivery, which never happens- more often than not takes a week-two weeks via USPS from the Mid-Atlantic Region of US for some reason…. Very strange indeed????? Furthermore, second issue “stand-in” judge was supposedly working- which along with one mentioned above- were supposed to be VTC Hearings with a Veterans Law Judge, and per a phone call, again this week, second issue is now supposed to take per “phone agent” quite a long time……. To simply get a hearing via VTC…. Very strange once again indeed…..??????

Bottom-line: both issues were supposed to be decided VTC Hearing with Veterans Law Judge… first issue decided had already been before a Veteran’s Law Judge and remanded by to US DVA Montgomery AL Regional Office in Montgomery, Alabama, and sent back to Board of Veterans Appeals…. Which took years- only for a denial by a “stand-in” judge, then issues once again split up, and second issue now not even on “docket” when veteran was told “stand-in” judge was reviewing both…..

Resultant, Veteran, was supposedly “legally” advised simply let first issue go- i.e. pursue no further… and no telling now when or if second issue will in fact ever be decided…… humph….is this “satisfactory” to anyone…. Given all listed “anomalies”????????

Additionally, per PEBForum Thread- Forums Transition Forum: Veterans Affairs and SSDI Veterans Affairs, SSDI, and other Benefits VA News Feeds VA, Walgreens collaborate to improve care coordination for Veterans” Thread starter Physical Evaluation Board Forum Start date Aug 17, 2018
( Might also want to see PEBForum Thread- Forums Resources and Files Department of Defense Regulations Express Scripts Issue's Fexofinidene (allegria) -All Vet's Retirees Out There-Question?????”)

Another local “Fairhope Alabama” veteran, whom supposedly had nothing but issues Walgreens Pharmacy in Fairhope, AL, in fact had local Walgreens – claim- some medication- that was over counter- could not be filled with Express Scripts by TRICARE, as was simply “over” daily allocation- allowed. Veteran, supposedly, ended up having to call their local “physician” staff numerous times as well as Express Scripts by Tricare to get issue resolved- causing much consternation among prescribing “physicians” staff, etc…. as well as finding out that Walgreens “created” a problem for no reason, and even “quoted” wrong price of medications as well as “prescribing rule” per “Express Scripts Tricare” phone “agent” themselves as well as Walgreens Pharmacist’s themselves not knowing to call 800-922-1557 to resolve any issues themselves- veteran supposedly had to tell Walgreens to do this….

NOTE: This "veteran" asked me to add, as seriously does not want anyone think "crazy" but oddly when has visited some local physicians, hospital's and US DVA Facilities has always been in general "plced same" waiting rooms, and in one "waiting" room found mirrior "glued" to wall with like a "clear spot in center as if an "old" two-way" mirror (i.e. think Police interrogation room) that folks on other side or "camera" could observe....... the waiting room- session..... hummph???? Weather to believe this veteran or not is simply one's choice, but can say, as have observed that US DVA folks themselevs, have claimed this "VET" highly "accurate" observer-historian (as call psychology)" so perhaps something to it to it.....and other's might want to start potentially being "cognizant/aware of" as if other's observe same...might be an issue of merit....?????????

Well, yet again: Is this acceptable to anyone…… whom may read this……???????

As one can see, hopefully, it is “great-'fantastic'” US Federal law-makers have "US Veterans Issues at heart," but simply “passing” rules and regulations without any follow-up or “appropriate” oversight really does not amount to much of anything…. IMO… and if not mistaken “whole lot in recent media” about Federal Agencies simply doing as they please (i.e. "REHIRING" dismissed employees, etc...) despite wishes and “laws” passed by US elected officials…..?????? Furthermore, what good does it do to "give" the US DVA 1-Billon (+/-) US Dollars and not at some point ask for a "full" accounting of what every US Taxpayer Dollar was in fact spent on......IMO... I meam does this actually ever occur to anyone's else's knowledge as the US Military and or some of it's components have to do in "justifying" their budget's and what "work" cana and cannot be done like US Army Corps of Engineers "district" Commanders, etc......?????????

Hopefully, some day this issue will in fact be fixed, and perhaps US DVA Facilities will all have to undego "unannounced" inspections by "lawmaker's" or other's external US DVA like US Air Force, "Red Flag" Inspections etc…perhaps...IMO...???????

Well, ALL- hope this Thread/Post helps one other veteran or their family out there……??????

PS: Might want to see below, for, reference-consideration-thought- only, on what our “US Founding Father’s” thought about a lot of this and or other issues:

The Writings of Thomas Payne-Volume 1. 1774-1779” by “G.P. Putman’s Sons New York & London The Knickerbocker Press” for example only from web-address: https://www.law.gmu.edu/assets/files/academics/founders/Paine_CommonSense.pdf accessed 26 AUG 2018 appx. 0136 AM EDT (see attached file downloaded from above listed web-address- “Paine_CommonSense.pdf”)

Rights of Man Part The First Being An Answer To Mr. Burke’s Attack On The French Revolution” by Thomas Paine for example only at web-address: https://www.ucc.ie/archive/hdsp/Paine_Rights_of_Man.pdf accessed 25 AUG 2018 appx. 0056 AM EDT (see attached file downloaded from above listed web-address- “Paine_Rights_of_Man.pdf”)

THE FEDERALIST PAPERS” Edited by Bill Bailey “The Federalist Papers Project-www.thefederalistpapers.org” for example only at web-address: https://www.thefederalistpapers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Complete-Federalist-Papers.pdf accessed on 26 AUG 2018 appx 0101 AM EDT (see attached file downloaded from above listed web-address- “The-Complete-Federalist-Papers.pdf”)

“The Pledge of Allegiance” from “U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs , Washington, D.C. 20420” for example only at web-address: https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/pledge.pdf accessed on 26 AUG 2018 appx. 0316 AM EDT (see attached file downloaded above web-address- pledge.pdf” as well as Image - "Presentation- US DVA- US Pledge of Allegiance- 27 AUG 2018_001" created from above listed web-adddress Presentation- US DVA- US Pledge of Allegiance- 27 AUG 2018_001.jpgas well) [Posted as know US Officer Veteran told me story that years ago they were “embarrassed” as asked to receipt the pledge in fort of an audience in uniform, while on active duty, and simply had not said it in so long had forgotten some of it…. Perhaps, other “VETs” or those “still active duty” same boat…so thought would post as potential resource….]



ANYONE ELSE HAVING CONSISTENT ISSUES THIS WEBSITE…..????????
 

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ALL_ sadly, I was “encouraged” by veteran having issue with “tampered” mail delivered Express Scripts Medications and or Gulf Coast VA system/VISN16 Medications, to post an update, so here goes…..

Despite Tricare Express Scripts, knowing full well this veteran had already destroyed several thousand dollars of US taxpayer money in medications, per Express Scripts own guidance and direction, they sent him the below attached letter (see below/attached “redacted” image: “Redacted Pictures Tricare Exception Policy Local Pharmacy- 11 SEP 2018 appx 0133 AM EDT.jpg”) that state’s “Per federal law, TRICARE beneficiaries must get select maintenance drugs through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a military pharmacy…!” So “veteran” supposedly had to call Express Scripts, and apparently several “phone advocates” did not even know what words “exception policy / waiver” meant, and spent almost 20-minutes on phone until got “supervisor” as “Dion” whom “granted” an “exception” so veteran supposedly can get medications at local pharmacy…..SOMETHING.. think any other “veteran” experiencing “similar” difficulties should be aware of as an option (EXCEPTION TO POLICY REQUEST!)….IMO- perhaps????


This is, also important to “veterans” solely receiving US DVA “compensation” and “retirees” on fixed income as discussed, for example, at PEBForum Thread: “VA Award Letter Question” at Forums Medical Evaluation Board Medical Evaluation Board by Thread starterGSWarrior2017 Start date Aug 19, 2017 as well as numerous others, discussing “financial” issues- “homelessness”, etc….. If must pay full “price” medications, due no fault their own, but a less than even optimal “system,” on top of other expenses such a “college” for their children that IAW “Personal Finance For Dummies, 8th Ed.” by Eric Tyson, on page 247, it states “….if costs keep rising at the current rate, you’ll soon have to spend upward of $250,00 dollars to give your youngster a quality education. (And, if you add in graduate school, you could be pushing $400,000 to 500,000.)” {See below/attached photo image file of cited example book and quote: “Redacted Pictures Personal Finance For Dummies By Eric Tyson - Cover and Page 247- 11 SEP 2018 appx 0135 AM EDT.jpg”} {NOTE: ISSUES- and/or Could not insert-attach file...}


Hopefully, one can “ascertain” that “financially” this is – IMO- a huge issue for “veterans” and “retirees of all US Conflicts and those injured in “training,” ….etc……

Well, as per usual hope this assists other veterans and retirees out there as well as provides “food-for-thought- discussion” …..perhaps….?????

PS: Might be interested for “historical” reason’s, and why “Greatest Generation” fought World War II as well as why “subsequent” generations “followed” in their footsteps- to more than “EARN” these “benefits”, at YouTube Video “search words “- ‘Mickey Mouse Cartoon World War II’ for example only at web-address https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mickey+mouse+cartoon+world+war+ii accessed on 11 SEP 2018 appx. 0158 AM EDT and sub-selection from above web-site at You Tube Video at web-address:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZuWnlWckeM
(accessed on 11 SEP 2018 appx. 0200 AM EDT)

As well as, for Walt Disney fans....a phenominal work- Life Magazine- “Mickey Mouse at 90- Life Celebrates An American Icon” by Time, Inc. Specials Vol. 18, No. 16, August 17, 2018- see image attached below: “Picture Life Magazine- Mickey Mouse at 90- By Time Inc Vol 18 N0 16 AUG 17 2018 Issue Cover and Pages 10-11- 11 SEP 2018 appx. 0140 AM EDT.jpg” – that covers the “history” of Mickey, and has various photo’s and stories of Mickey Mouse and American conflicts such as on page- 47 of a Us World War II bomber as well as on “pages 10-11” look more than “similar” to downtown Fairhope AL….. very odd…?????? {NOTE: ISSUES and or Could not insert-attach file...}

Picture Life Magazine- Mickey Mouse at 90- By Time Inc Vol 18 N0 16 AUG 17 2018 Issue Cover an...jpg

Might also want to see PEBForum Thread, for example: “Express Scripts Issue's Fexofinidene (allegria) -All Vet's Retirees Out There-Question?????” at Forums Resources and Files Department of Defense Regulations by Thread starter Former MiTT Team Leader Start date Feb 2, 2018

Anyone else issues this web-site…?????
 

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ALL- simply and very sadly, thought follow-up here, as apparently in never ends, IAW several veterans in LA (Lower Alabama) with Express-Scripts and US DVA Gulf Coast VA System/VISN 16; once on their “radar” so to speak for bringing up issues… (Might want see PEBForum Thread as well- Express Scripts Issue's Fexofinidene (allegria) -All Vet's Retirees Out There-Question?????” at Forums Resources and Files Department of Defense Regulations )

Veteran, in previous thread that was “granted” waiver, to continue to get “maintenance medications” local pharmacy due to countless issues Express Scripts and Gulf Coast VA/VISN16 “mail-delivered” medications, yet again ran into issue at a local pharmacy when tried to refill a “maintenance” medication, as simple “waiver” did not take… most likely…. IAW them… simply dealing “holding company” – see below- and never really know whom speaking with……?????????

Tried to find a definition of “maintenance medications” on Wikipedia but instead found the below attached- for example only-file downloaded at web-address: https://www.express-scripts.com/art/open_enrollment/MaintenanceDrugListSOFL.pdf accessed at appx. 0227AM EDT on 14 SEP 2018- (see attached file from above named web-address: “MaintenanceDrugListSOFL.pdf’ as well as image file “Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_14 SEP 2018.jpg”)
Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_14 SEP 2018.JPG


What did find on Wikipedia, think ALL- IMO- find interesting is “Medication” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, for example, at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medication accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0232 AM EDT and following in “italics” quoted-cited from named article- web-site:
A medication (also referred to as medicine, pharmaceutical drug, or simply drug) is a drug used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.[1][2][3] Drug therapy (pharmacotherapy) is an important part of the medical field and relies on the science of pharmacology for continual advancement and on pharmacy for appropriate management. Drugs are classified in various ways. One of the key divisions is by level of control, which distinguishes prescription drugs (those that a pharmacist dispenses only on the order of a physician, physician assistant, or qualified nurse) from over-the-counter drugs (those that consumers can order for themselves). Another key distinction is between traditional small-molecule drugs, usually derived from chemical synthesis, and biopharmaceuticals, which include recombinant proteins, vaccines, blood products used therapeutically (such as IVIG), gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies and cell therapy (for instance, stem-cell therapies). Other ways to classify medicines are by mode of action, route of administration, biological system affected, or therapeutic effects. An elaborate and widely used classification system is the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC system). The World Health Organization keeps a list of essential medicines.”

Furthermore, at “google.com” search words “maintenance medication” for example only, at web-address: https://www.google.com/search?q=mai.....69i57j0l5.9344j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0237 AM EDT is the following quoted definition in “italics” with an associated web-reference(?): : “Maintenance drugs are prescriptions commonly used to treat conditions that are considered chronic or long-term. These conditions usually require regular, daily use of medicines. Examples of maintenance drugs are those used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and diabetes. CVS CAREMARK ® MAINTENANCE DRUG LIST https://www.caremark.com/portal/asset/CVS_Caremark_Maint_DrugList.pdf
Anyway, hope this proves useful to ALL, as like dealing with US DVA and or in particular the US BVA, it is important to know terms and/or terminology that are utilized in regard to claims for “service-connected” conditions, etc.….

Interestingly, talking to various local vet’s- LA- seems common thread that those, even Vietnam Vet’s, whom have retained attorney representation with US DVA, and or have “raised” issues with care, etc… all seem to run into various issues, not only with US DVA but also local Community. Oddly, another veteran in Fairhope-Daphne-Foley AL Metro-Complex… per US DVA official’s themselves, has had incessant issues issue all named above and more, and has recently “discovered” US DVA employees themselves residing in their locale…. Odd…. Would not one simply say…. Anyway, several “vets” spoken too are now simply- leery- of even criticizing the Gulf Coast VA System/VISN16 and or even doing anything else, that might assist other “veterans” like simply turning in a “list” of “recommended” books for “veterans” to reference at “local” library that hardly has any books in regards to “veterans-affairs-compensation and pension-care,” etc.….. Sad but true, and another “vet” found online, “vet” in MS having issues MHV Secure Message, after “reporting” problems Gulf Coast VA, and simply printed and submitted to local providers MHV Secure MSG-regular email, in hopes they might do something about it….. Oh well….. such is – IMO- state of Affairs in LA…..Gulf coast VA System/VISN 16 AO….

Hope this all greatly assist’s at least one other veteran-retiree and/or family-survivors out there……?????

PS: May, for example only, want to see below web-links, some with “select” quotes, as food for thought-consideration or to establish a “common” terminology in regards Tricare Express Scripts, etc….:

Express Scripts” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for example only at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Express_Scripts accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0202 AM EDT- below “quoted” in ‘italics” from above named article-web-site:

Express Scripts Holding Company is an American Fortune 100 company. As of 2018, the company is the 25th-largest in the United States as well as the largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) organization in the United States.[2] Express Scripts had 2016 revenues of $100.752 billion.[2] The term "scripts" refers to the widely used clipped version of prescription. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Express Scripts provides integrated pharmacy benefit management services including network-pharmacy claims processing; home delivery pharmacy services; specialty pharmacy benefit management, through its subsidiary Accredo; benefit-design consultation; drug-utilization review; formulary management; and medical and drug data analysis services to manage drug plans for health plans, self-insured employers and government agencies (both as administrator of employee benefits and public assistance programs). One of its largest clients is the United States Department of Defense's Tricareprogram.[4]

Holding company” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for example only at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holding_company accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0206 AM EDT- below “quoted” in ‘italics” from above named article-web-site:

A holding company is a company that owns other companies' outstanding stock. A holding company usually does not produce goods or services itself; rather, its purpose is to own shares of other companies to form a corporate group. Holding companies allow the reduction of risk for the owners and can allow the ownership and control of a number of different companies. In the United States, 80% of stock, in voting and value, must be owned before tax consolidation benefits such as tax-free dividends can be claimed.[1] That is, if Company A owns 80% or more of the stock of Company B, Company A will not pay taxes on dividends paid by Company B to its stockholders, as the payment of dividends from B to A is essentially transferring cash from one company to the other. Any other shareholders of Company B will pay the usual taxes on dividends, as they are legitimate and ordinary dividends to these shareholders. Sometimes a company intended to be a pure holding company identifies itself as such by adding "Holding" or "Holdings" to its name.”

Technological convergence” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for example only at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_convergence accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0158 AM EDT

Conglomerate (company)” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, for example only at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conglomerate_(company) accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0209 AM EDT- below “quoted” in ‘italics” from above named article-web-site:

A conglomerate is the combination of two or more corporations operating in entirely different industries under one corporate group, usually involving a parent company and many subsidiaries. Often, a conglomerate is a multi-industry company. Conglomerates are often large and multinational. Conglomerates were popular in the 1960s due to a combination of low interest rates and a repeating bear-bull market, which allowed the conglomerates to buy companies in leveraged buyouts, sometimes at temporarily deflated values. Famous examples from the 1960s include Ling-Temco-Vought,[1] ITT Corporation,[1]Litton Industries,[1] Textron,[1] Teledyne.[1] Because of low interest on the loans, the overall return on investment of the conglomerate appeared to grow. Also, the conglomerate had a better ability to borrow in the money market, or capital market, than the smaller firm at their community bank.[citation needed]

See below possible examples above:

Concentration of media ownership” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, for example only at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentration_of_media_ownership accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0156 AM EDT

Bertelsmann” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, for example only at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertelsmann accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0200 AM EDT

21st Century Fox” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for example only at web-address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_Century_Fox accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0201 AM EDT

Anyone Else having-experiencing issue this web-sites at all…..??????
 

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Tried to find a definition of “maintenance medications” on Wikipedia but instead found the below attached- for example only-file downloaded at web-address: https://www.express-scripts.com/art/open_enrollment/MaintenanceDrugListSOFL.pdf accessed at appx. 0227AM EDT on 14 SEP 2018- (see attached file from above named web-address: “MaintenanceDrugListSOFL.pdf’ as well as image file “Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_14 SEP 2018.jpg”)”

ALL- thought further update on this was much more than warranted. Per above quote from Post#4 above and attached file “MaintenanceDrugListSOFL.pdf’”; which consists of 22-pages with 3-cloumns of “listed” maintenance medications on each page from page number 2- page number 22, and approximately 30 (+/-) medications per column- equals roughly 120- “maintenance medications per page” and 21-pages of listed “maintenance medications” per page, as an estimate, is 2,520 (+/-) listed “maintenance medications” contained in file attached Post#4: “MaintenanceDrugListSOFL.pdf’!” (for clarity only, please see attached file images of “select pages” from “MaintenanceDrugListSOFL.pdf’” - files: “Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_pgs. 1-2 14 SEP 2018.jpg”; “Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_pgs. 3-4 14 SEP 2018.jpg”; “Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_pgs. 5-6 14 SEP 2018.jpg”; and “Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_pgs. 21-22 14 SEP 2018” )

This simply begs the question as to, what is in fact not considered a “maintenance” medication other than simple “ant-biotics” and “anti-viral” medications for “temporary” illness like pneumonia, etc.… if just about everything else is for “chronic” conditions??????

Also, it, I would think, ties into a “veteran” or “retirees” all too “important” MEDICATION PROFILE, that the US DVA and others, as have been informed, such as “private insurance companies” utilize in determining “veterans” rights to “compensation” and or- in case “private insurance” - “ability” to obtain things like “long-term care” Insurance, if one wants to try and obtain so one does not end up in US DVA Nursing Home, etc….. of which quite a bit “negative” on US DVA nursing homes in local media as of late???? Any Super Moderator’s or others can please correct me…… if I am wrong…..???????

Furthermore, by “obtaining” at local pharmacy vs. Express Scripts mail order…. Veteran mentioned was paying almost $50.00 for a 90-day supply, but now due to issues must pay same $50.00 for only a 30-day supply at local retail pharmacy and was told actual cost of a 30-day supply, without a “waiver” would have been around $250.00 dollars for a 30-day supply…. Does this make any sense to anyone? And are “veterans” and “retirees’ best interests being “looked’ after here??? Questions hopefully other will consider and ponder…..perhaps?????

Anyway, hope this all, helps at least one veteran and or retiree out there……????

Please see attached images, listed above……

Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_pgs. 1-2 14 SEP 2018.JPG

Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_pgs. 21-22 14 SEP 2018.JPG


PS: Might want see below article, for thought only, on VA Nursing homes….:

Secret VA nursing home ratings hide poor quality care from the public” by Donovan Slack, USA TODAY, and Andrea Estes, The Boston Globe Published 6:00 p.m. ET June 17, 2018 | Updated 8:08 p.m. ET June 17, 2018 for example only, at web-address: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...ome-ratings-hide-poor-quality-care/674829002/ accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 1940 PM EDT

(Might want see PEBForum Thread as well- “Express Scripts Issue's Fexofinidene (allegria) -All Vet's Retirees Out There-Question?????” at Forums Resources and Files Department of Defense Regulations )

Anyone else having issue this web-site…????
 

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  • Image_Maintenance Medication Drug List-Express Scripts_pgs. 21-22 14 SEP 2018.JPG
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ALL-thought would add to issue with a question- Why is not Tricare Express scripts and US DVA not “pretty” much in line with co-payments for both US Military veterans and retirees???? Please see below…

VA » Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs » News Releases Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs VA, Walgreens collaborate to improve care coordination for Veterans” August 17, 2018, 11:52:00 AM Printable Version Need Viewer Software? For example only at web-address: https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5095 accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0010 AM EDT- below in “italics” cited/quoted from the above named US DVA web-site:
As it expands its community care program, VA actively refines its ability to track medication prescribed by community providers. Prior to the arrangement, VA providers would ask patients to inform them about medications filled at Walgreens. With the VA-Walgreens exchange, VA providers can now easily view medications directly that are prescribed to VA-enrolled patients by community providers and filled at Walgreens pharmacies.”

(See PEBForum Thread- “VA, Walgreens collaborate to improve care coordination for VeteransForums Transition Forum: Veterans Affairs and SSDI Veterans Affairs, SSDI, and other Benefits VA News Feeds where above US DVA link Walgreens is also located!)

Per the following US DVA web-article, “Priority Group 1” patients do not have any medication co-pays: “VA » Health Care » Health Benefits » Determine Cost of Care » Health Benefits Copays Health Benefits” For example only at web-address: https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/cost/copays.asp accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0029 AM EDT- below in “italics” cited-copied above named website as well as attached image file- “Image US DVA Health Benefits Copays Health Benefits- 14 SEP 2018.jpg
Outpatient Copays
  • Primary Care Services: $15
  • Specialty Care Services: $50
  • Medications:
Veterans in Priority Group 1 do not pay for medications
Effective February 27, 2017
Veterans in Priority Groups 2-8, are required to pay for each 30-day or less supply of medication for treatment of nonservice-connected condition (unless otherwise exempt).
Geriatrics and Extended Care

Long term care copays are based on three levels of care:
  • Inpatient: Up to $97 per day (Community Living (Nursing home), Respite, Geriatric Evaluation)
  • Outpatient: $15 per day (Adult Day Health Care, Respite, Geriatric Evaluation)
  • Domiciliary: $5 per day
**Copayments for Long-Term Care services start on the 22nd day of care during any 12-month period — there is no copayment requirement for the first 21 days. Actual copayment charges will vary from Veteran to Veteran depending upon financial information submitted on VA Form 10-10EC.

SEE Named Image file of above:

Image US DVA Health Benefits Copays Health Benefits- 14 SEP 2018.JPG

So I guess a question here, is if “retirees” are also veterans, and some are enrolled in the US DVA and are “Priority 1 Patients,”..Etc.… and there is already “cooperation” between civil pharmacies like “Walgreens” (cited above) then why is not Express Scripts Tricare and US DVA “inline” with each other on “co-pays” and why does it “cost” more to pick up up prescriptions at a local pharmacy than all the “costs” associated with US DVA or Express Scripts mailing them to veterans/retirees…????? Hopefully, someone can provide a “plausible” answer, like a Super Moderator, etc…..????

Thanks and hope this helps at least one other veteran and or retiree……..?????????

PS: Might want to see below items for “thought” or discussion:

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)” proposed “Veterans Creed” blew quoted, in “italics” from VFW Magazine-September 2018 Ed. Page Number-14”: (see, for example only, at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Magazine-Sep...8&qid=1536987087&sr=8-5&keywords=vfw+magazine accessed on 14 SEP 2018 appx. 0052 AM EDT)-VFW Proposed Veterans Creed:
“1. I am an American Veteran.
2. I proudly served my country.
3. I live the values I learned in the military.
4. I continue to serve my community, my country, and my fellow veterans.
5. I maintain my physical and physical discipline.
6. I continue to lead and improve.
7. I make a difference.
8. I honor and remember my fallen comrades.”


PEBForum Thread as well- “Express Scripts Issue's Fexofinidene (allegria) -All Vet's Retirees Out There-Question?????” at Forums Resources and Files Department of Defense Regulations )

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World - Kindle Editionby Jack Weatherford for example only- for unique historical issues/lessons on “governance,” etc… at Amazon. com, or Barnes & Nobles.com as well other retailers, etc….

Anyone Else having-experiencing issue this web-sites at all…..??????
 

Attachments

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