Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Milliman IntelliScript system work?
The Milliman IntelliScript system is similar to traditional methods for insurers to access medical records from a doctor, hospital, pharmacy or other medical facility - no information is gathered or released without an individual's prior authorization.  As part of its underwriting or claims process, a client (insurance company) sends Milliman IntelliScript an Authorized Request for prescription information for an individual. Within seconds, Milliman IntelliScript checks with its data sources to see if any information is available and then returns a prescription history to the client for that individual.

What is an Authorized Request?
An Authorized Request is a request for a prescription history on behalf of an individual that has provided an authorization for the release of his/her information.  The individual's authorization must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  The authorization must specify, for example, what type of information is authorized to be disclosed, who is being authorized to disclose the information and who is authorized to receive the information.  There are additional details required in the authorization, such as the individual’s signature and date.

Where does Milliman IntelliScript get its data?
When Milliman IntelliScript receives an Authorized Request, it passes the individual’s identifying information to its contracted data sources (Pharmacy Benefit Managers or “PBM’s”).   Each data source returns any recent prescription transactions it may have on file for the individual.  Milliman IntelliScript software organizes the responses from the data sources and presents the information to the user.

What is a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM)?
A PBM is an entity that provides a broad range of pharmacy and prescription drug administration services.  Most PBM’s act as a pharmacy by providing prescription drugs via mail service.  In addition, PBM’s may provide prescription services for insurance companies, retail pharmacies, individual consumers and government programs.  PBM’s also invest significantly on research in areas such as optimizing prescription therapy and improving consumer safety.   

Is there a “pharmacy database” on individuals?
No.  When Milliman IntelliScript receives an Authorized Request for an individual, it passes the request for the specific individual’s information to each of its contracted data sources, who then query their specific systems.  Milliman IntelliScript only maintains a record of the client requests and the specific prescription report provided to the client.

Who can see the prescription report?
Only the specific client authorized to receive the report and the individual that provided the authorization can see the report.  Individuals can request a copy of their report by contacting Milliman IntelliScript.

A report will exist only if the individual authorized the release of his/her records to an insurance company and that company submitted a request to Milliman IntelliScript.  Otherwise, Milliman IntelliScript will have no report/information.  In some cases, no prescription information is found for the individual so the "report" would be blank.

Does the process violate consumer privacy?
No.  Milliman IntelliScript does not obtain any information without an individual’s prior authorization.  Milliman IntelliScript operates under HIPAA, which establishes the requirements for the disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). These strict and comprehensive requirements are part of the legislation and are universally recognized throughout the insurance and healthcare industries. Federal regulations are clear regarding an authorization for the release and security of PHI and all parties are motivated to comply because the consequences of non-compliance far outweigh any conceivable gain.

Does this process make it more difficult for consumers to get insurance?
No.  There is nothing new about consumers authorizing the release of their medical records, including prescriptions, to insurers.  This standard process has been in place for decades, helping insurers make good decisions about rates and insurability.  However, the old process is slow – it often takes weeks or months for insurers to obtain paper-based records. Electronic prescription histories dramatically accelerate the application process. Rather than waiting weeks or months for paper records, insurers can often make decisions the same day the consumer applies for coverage.

How do consumers benefit from prescription histories?
Consumers benefit from faster decisions from the insurance company.  Rather than waiting weeks or months for medical records, electronic prescription histories are fast – they can often enable an insurance company to make an underwriting decision the same day the applicant applies for coverage.  Also, consumers benefit from lower underwriting costs, which helps reduce premiums; prescription histories cost the insurer only a fraction of the cost of full medical records and can often eliminate the need for medical records, personal interviews and other costly and time consuming underwriting processes. 

Is the use of electronic prescription records regulated?
Yes.  Milliman IntelliScript operates in accordance with HIPAA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and all other applicable laws and regulations.  HIPAA brings comprehensive legislation to preserve individuals’ privacy in an era of digital communications. If an insurer makes an adverse decision (e.g., higher rate or decision to decline) based in whole or in part on a prescription history then the FCRA requires the insurer to notify the applicant.  The notice must include the name, phone number and address for the company that supplied the report (i.e. Milliman IntelliScript).  The notice also states that the recipient has a right to a free copy of the report and the right to dispute anything believed to be inaccurate.  The FCRA and HIPAA bring comprehensive protection to consumers.

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