With the start of the new state fiscal year, state employees will see a 2.75 percent general wage increase in their paychecks and some minor changes in drug copays for brand name and non-formulary drugs. Additionally, a telehealth agreement will take effect that will reduce office copays by half. An agreement in the Dept. of Mental Health also kicks in that will move intermittent employees to a status with more benefits.
All contract changes will take effect on time, despite lawmakers not making a budget deal by the July 1 deadline. A 17-day state budget extension has been passed to allow lawmakers time to go back to the table to hammer out a compromise.
While generic drug prices will stay the same for 30-day and 90-day mail order drugs, members will see minor increases in brand name and non-formulary drugs.
For 30-day supply:
- Generic prices stay the same at $10
- Brand name increase to $35 (up 5 dollars)
- Non-formulary brand increase to $60 (up 5 dollars)
- $60 plus the difference in cost if a generic is available.
For 90-day mail order:
- Generic prices stay at $25
- Brand name increases to $75 (up $12.50)
- Non-formulary brand-$150 (up $12.50)
- $150 plus difference in cost if a generic is available.