March 12, 2008

 

Bruce Nigro, Director

Essex County Division of Welfare

18 Rector Street , Floor 9

Newark , NJ , 07102

 

Re: Step II Class Action Contractual Grievance

       Caremark

      Article VII. Discipline

      Article XX. Health Insurance Coverage

      Article XXV. Non-Discrimination

 

Dear Mr. Nigro:

 

CWA Local 1081 submits this Step II Class Action Contractual Grievance on behalf of all of our members adversely affected by the County of Essex ’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), Caremark (apparently through Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey), apparently providing pharmaceutical products at a reduced quantitative, and enhanced cost, quotient. One example is Caremark directing pharmacies utilized by our Union ’s members to only grant a two-week prescription when their physician had prescribed a four-week dosage.

 

The resolution to this grievance consists of the following:

 

1. The County shall investigate this matter of utterly serious, and immediate, import.
2. The County shall direct Caremark to cease its practices violative of our contract.
3. The County shall meet with CWA Local 1081 to discuss our concerns.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David H. Weiner, President, CWA Local 1081

 

C: Lynn Buckley, CWA Representative

     Stephen Weissman, Esquire