If you take multiple medications, it's smart to give your meds routine a check-up at least once a year.
If you have a Part D drug plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus a medication review is an included service that is offered at no extra cost.
For questions or to schedule a CMR appointment:
Call 1-866-873-5941 or (651) 662-5105 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Have you received a letter or a phone call about the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program?
You may be automatically enrolled and hear from Blue Cross if:
- You have at least three of these conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart failure, osteoporosis or dyslipidemia
- You take at least eight covered Part D drugs to manage these conditions
- You are anticipated to spend at least $5,330 in 2024 on your Part D medications
- We determine – or your previous plan determined – that you could be at risk for misuse of certain frequently abused prescription drugs.
If you are enrolled in the MTM program, you may also receive a letter from us once a quarter about certain health conditions and related medication(s). This is called a Targeted Medication Review (TMR). The letter will encourage you to talk to your doctor or one of our MTM pharmacists if you have questions. Your time commitment is minimal.
If you're not interested in a medication review or receiving a targeted medication review letter you can opt out of the program.
More ways to manage your medications
What to expect from a medication review
- Your appointment is done over the phone and will take about an hour.
- Be prepared to tell the pharmacist about all your medications and how you take them, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Bring any questions or concerns, too.
- You’ll get a summary of your conversation, including any recommended changes that you and the pharmacist agree to. You will also get a list of all your medications.
- If you'd like, the pharmacist can talk to your doctor about any changes that you discussed. Your doctor can then update your prescriptions as-needed.
Doctor and pharmacist: Partners in your health
A pharmacist can't replace your doctor, but with eight or more years of specialized education, pharmacists have the expertise to catch and troubleshoot potential medication problems before they affect your health.
While your doctor knows a lot about many aspects of your health, pharmacists have one job: making sure your medications are as appropriate, safe, and effective as possible.
Four things to know
- You won't be forced to change your meds. The purpose of a medication review is to make sure you have the best information about your medication choices. But the decision is still between you and your doctor to make any changes.
- It won't affect your prescription coverage. Your prescriptions will still be covered, even if you choose not to make a change the pharmacist suggests.
- It is not second-guessing your doctor. Medications are changing all the time, and your doctor is busy keeping an eye on your whole health. Letting a qualified pharmacist do a thorough check-up of your meds helps your doctor help you.
- If you opt-out now, you can always change your mind. It is as simple as calling or emailing to set up an appointment.
Over time, things can change
- With age, you may become more or less sensitive to a drug.
- Certain meds that are routine for younger adults have risks in older adults, such as balance problems or mental decline.
- Some drugs are meant to be temporary, but are mistakenly continued.
- Adding a new drug (or stopping an old one) may cause a new side effect.
- Your medications may be perfect on paper, but if you struggle to take them as directed for any reason, it can be dangerous
How Blue Cross pharmacists are helping members
Simpler diabetes management
I spoke to one woman with diabetes who lived alone and was having a hard time giving herself insulin three times a day. Her blood glucose numbers were out of control because she just couldn't keep up with the shots.
Based on her medication review, I suggested to her doctor that she switch to a once-a-week medication instead of insulin. It was still an injection, but the nurse who came weekly to refill her meds could do it for her. Her numbers improved since she wasn't responsible for testing her blood sugar three times a day and dosing 21 insulin injections a week. It made the world of difference for her.
Marypat Habermas
Blue Cross pharmacist
Fewer copays, less to remember
A lot of times people have a medication they've been on for a long time and they don't question it. But over time there may be something new that could work better for them.
For example a patient I met with COPD had multiple inhalers to take twice a day. There's a newer medication on the market that combines the same medicines into one single inhaler. Now instead of six puffs a day, it only takes one to get the same medications. That means fewer doses to remember and just one copay instead of two or even three.
Landon Weaver
Blue Cross pharmacist
Easing side effects
In one medication review I learned the patient was having a lot of edema (swelling) in her legs. I recommended switching to a different heart failure medication. She did, and the edema went way down. But that wasn't the end of it.
After making the switch with her doctor she was able to stop a medication she'd been taking for the edema, and reduce her dose of potassium. The potassium bothered her stomach, so she'd been on a medicine for that too, but when she reduced the dose she was able to stop taking it. One medication change impacted three other drugs and led to fewer side effects overall.
Stephanie Svoboda
Blue Cross pharmacist