Dear independent pharmacy leader,

• As previously mentioned, Coventry/Aetna Part D processed through Express Scripts (ESI) announced and implemented a transition claims processing fix as of 1/12/15 that was to work for most pharmacies (those currently contracted with Aetna’s Premier Preferred Network – their broadest network).

• We have heard that many pharmacies are still unable to process these claims. CMS indicated to us today that Aetna is loading pharmacies into the plans in groups and that process could take the rest of the week. So if a pharmacy is still having problems they may not be loaded yet by Aetna/Coventry at ESI. The effective date of this temporary transition processing will be 1/1/15, and thus will allow pharmacies to resolve issues for previously filled prescriptions.

• Evidently, there is now a fix in place for CVSCaremark/Aetna Part D processed claims, even though a memo announcing the details has not been released. It is our understanding that this CVSCaremark/Aetna process will also be effective 1/1/15 to allow for resolution of issues with previously filled prescriptions.

• In summary, we understand that the intent for these two processes was to ensure the temporary processing of claims for all 2015 Aetna Part D patients and pharmacy providers affected by the incorrect information provided on the CMS Plan Finder, Aetna websites, and by Aetna representatives concerning pharmacy network participation.

We will continue to provide updated information on this situation as we receive it.