Frequently asked questions

General

Optum Rx® is a pharmacy benefit manager. We provide safe and cost-effective ways for you to access your medication and help you achieve better health outcomes.

Registration takes just a few minutes. Go to optumrx.com and follow the steps below:

  1. To set up a HealthSafe ID, enter your health plan number. If you don't have your ID card, enter your Social Security number and ZIP code.
  2. Choose a username and password.
  3. Enter your email address.
  4. Enter your phone number.

We'll send a welcome email and letter to the addresses on file.

  1. Make sure that the information on your member ID card is correct.
  2. Set up an Optum Rx account at optumrx.com.
  3. Once your plan is active, visit your account to review your prescription drug benefits.
  4. Set your communication preferences.
  5. Sign up for Optum® Home Delivery to get medication delivered right to your door with free standard shipping.
  6. Download the Optum Rx app to manage your medications on the go.

Coverage and cost

You can view your plan details, including coverage dates, on your Optum Rx account homepage at optumrx.com. The “Active date” listed in the top left corner is the day your coverage will start.

Once your plan is active, sign into your Optum Rx account to check your plan’s prescription drug list. If your medication is on the drug list, it will be covered. If a medication is not covered on your new plan, you still have options. We are here to help you and your prescriber identify a generic, brand or alternative medication that’s just as safe and effective for you.

For customer support, call the phone number on your member ID card.

You still have options. Contact your prescriber to discuss switching to another covered medication that’s just as safe and effective for you. Or, if your prescriber wants you to keep taking your current medication, they can request a prior authorization when your new plan is active.

Once your plan is active, sign into your Optum Rx account. You can view your plan details, including coverage and copays.

Communication preferences

If you’re signing in to your account for the first time, you’ll see a pop-up screen for Communication preferences. If you have an active account, log in and go to Communication preferences, choose paperless and save.

You can download it from the App Store® or on Google Play® for free.

When you sign up for an Optum Rx account, make sure to give us your mobile number and fill out your communication preferences.

Use the Optum Rx app to check medication pricing, order prescriptions, pay bills, view order status and more. Anywhere, anytime.

Terms to know

An organization that administers prescription drug programs. Your PBM is Optum Rx.

During the prior authorization process, we review certain medication for safety, cost and medical necessity. You may need a prior authorization before a treatment or prescription can be covered.

A list of medication covered by your plan. If a medication is not listed on your plan’s prescription drug list, check back to see if it has been added. Prescription drug lists are updated frequently.

To help lower your prescription drug costs, Optum Rx contracts with a large network of pharmacies nationwide.

A maintenance medication, also known as a long-term medication, is a prescription drug you take for an ongoing health condition.

Generic drugs have the same active ingredient, strength and form as the brand-name medication. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, generics are just as safe and effective and often cost less.