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Lawmakers take a second look at prescription mail-order plan for state workers

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/StateemployeeDrugfeature.mp3

State employees may soon see more changes to their health insurance benefits. As Florida's 89.1, WUFT-FM's Steven Gallo reports, some Republican lawmakers are now reconsidering recent changes to the benefits.

The changes allow state employees to get as many as three 30-day refills of their long-term maintenance medications from retail pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS. After those three refills, however, they are required to order 90-day supplies through a mail-order pharmacy.

Now, Republican representatives Pat Rooney and Elizabeth Porter have filed a bill that will allow community pharmacies to dispense 90-day supplies. Porter says the current policy for state employees benefits is inefficient.

"We are sending our dollars for the program out of state instead of keeping it in the state of Florida, where we're trying to create jobs and improve the economy. You also have situations where, particularly with elderly folks, they get a longterm medication and after two weeks or three weeks, the doctor decides it's not appropriate for their condition," Porter said.

Hear the full story above.

Steven is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org