While members have given ExpressScripts, at best, mixed reviews, GIC officials chose to extend the contract for each of the two years allowed by law. Under state law, the GIC may not enter into any contract beyond a maximum of five years.

"In the beginning, we were flooded with phone calls and letters from members who had nothing but trouble with ExpressScripts. Fortunately, we were able to work closely with a couple of people in their customer service department, who worked hard to address our member's complaints," explained Association Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. "Things may never be perfect, but over time the service has greatly improved."

"My fear is that if the state once again goes with the lowest bidder, we may be faced with a lot of problems all over again. Retirees depend on this service for their prescriptions and it is not something that should be taken lightly."

With a short time frame to issue the RFR, receive bids, interview qualifying companies, and finally select a vendor, the GIC is expected to formally begin the process in late September. The eleven member Commission is expected to select a pharmacy manager by late February 2005. The new contract would then begin on July 1, 2005.

Despite passage by the state Senate during the FY05 budget debate, plans to launch a program to assist Massachusetts residents in purchasing prescription drugs from Canada did not receive final approval. In addition, an amendment that would have created a "bulk purchasing" group, joining various state agencies, including the GIC, together to buy prescription drugs, also did not pass.

"Even with the growing support for the reimportation of drugs from Canada, it is an uphill battle to actually get a system underway. It is still illegal under federal law and the FDA continues to dig in its heels on allowing reimportation," says Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel. "At the very least, all of the attention being focused on prescription drugs has been a step in the right direction.

"There is no question that the cost of these programs is driving the policy. However, the GIC cannot simply continue to shift the cost burden over to the retiree. We need the Legislature, along with Congress, to take action and reign in these prices. Otherwise, no one is going to be able to afford the needed coverage."