Pharmacy benefits
Medications can play a vital role in maintaining your health. UnitedHealthcare is committed to helping you get the most of your prescription medication benefit. Together with OptumRx®, we provide safe, easy and cost effective ways for you to get the medications you need.
Fill your prescription 2 ways
1. Choose from thousands of network retail pharmacies.
2. Take advantage of the convenience of OptumRx home delivery.
Learn about covered medications
UnitedHealthcare Prescription Drug List (PDL)
The PDL includes most brand and generic prescription medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Medications are placed in "tiers" based on our conclusions about their overall value. Tier 1 is the lowest-cost tier option. When selecting a medication, you and your doctor should use the PDL to see if a Tier 1 (lowest cost) option is right for you.
Please see your health plan benefit details to learn which PDL you should use to search for covered medications.
Search the Traditional 3-tier PDL
Search the Traditional 4-tier PDL
Search the Advantage 3-tier PDL
Search the Advantage 4-tier PDL
Search the Flex Advantage 3-tier PDL
Prescription tiers
Tiers are the different cost levels you pay for a medication. Each tier is assigned a cost, which is determined by your employer or health plan. This is how much you will pay when you fill a prescription. Tier 1 medications are your lowest-cost options. If your medication is placed in Tier 2 or 3, look to see if there is a Tier 1 option available. Discuss these options with your doctor.
Tier 1: Lower cost
Includes: Lower-cost drugs. Some low-cost brands are also included.
Helpful Tips: Use Tier 1 drugs for the lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Tier 2: Mid-range cost
Includes: Mix of brands and generics.
Helpful Tips: Use Tier 2 drugs, instead of Tier 3 to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Tier 3: Highest cost
Includes: Mostly higher-cost brand as well as select generic drugs.
Helpful Tips: Many Tier 3 drugs have lower-cost options in Tier 1 or 2. Ask your doctor if they could work for you.
Save on your medications
Use home delivery. Up to a three-month supply of your medications will ship free to your home, often at a lower cost than retail. You also get 24/7 phone support, medication refill reminders and more. And it saves you trips to the pharmacy.
Use network pharmacies. You will get your plan's best price for your medication if you use a network pharmacy. Our network includes thousands of pharmacies across the country.
Use lower tier medications, such as generics. Use the PDL to help you or ask your doctor. If you have a medication that is placed in a higher tier (Tier 3, for example), check to see if a Tier 1 option is available. The higher cost brand medications are usually placed in higher tiers.