Medication therapy management program (MTM)

Medication therapy management (MTM) is a federally designed program sponsored by CareOregon Advantage, which helps our members take their medication properly and safely. CareOregon Advantage’s MTM program is especially helpful for members who take several medications for chronic medical conditions.

When you take multiple medications, it can be a challenge to make sure they all work well together. With the MTM program, we can help you:

• Understand your conditions and medications so you can take an active role in managing your health.
• Improve medication adherence.
• Reduce the risk of medication errors, especially if you have chronic conditions, take several medications or see more than one care provider.

What does MTM do?

• Comprehensive medication review (CMR): Each eligible member will be offered a telephone consultation with an MTM pharmacist, which takes about 30 minutes. The pharmacist will talk to you about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and natural supplements. They will make sure you understand what they are for and how to take them safely. After the consultation, you will receive a written summary including a medication action plan and a personal medication list.

• Targeted medication reviews (TMRs): The program will also provide ongoing monitoring of your medications and follow-up with your providers as necessary to make sure you are taking the safest and most effective medications.

Am I eligible for MTM?

There are two ways you are automatically enrolled in the program.

1. If all of the following apply to you:
• You have two of the following chronic conditions: Alzheimer's disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bipolar disorder, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic noncancer pain, chronic kidney disease.
• You take seven or more chronic Medicare Part D medications.
• You have a drug cost of at least $5,330 annually for all covered chronic Part D medications, or
2. You are in a Drug Management Program to help better manage and safely use medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines.
   

If you qualify for this program, you will receive a welcome letter in the mail and a follow-up call from a pharmacy representative. If you qualify for the MTM program, you are not required to participate if you do not wish to do so. If we contact you, we hope you will participate so we can help you manage your medications. Remember, there is no charge to participate in the MTM program.

View or download a copy of the Recommended To-Do List

View or download a copy of the Medication List

How do I safely dispose of medications?

Before you throw them away, here are some things you should know.

For safety reasons, dispose of unused medications as soon as possible. Here are a few tips for safe disposal:

• Find a nearby pharmacy or other local resource with a medication take back service.
  • The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allows unused prescription medications to be returned to pharmacies or other authorized sites.  You can locate participating locations at: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e2s1. 
  • Community take back sites are the preferred method of disposing of unused controlled substances. 
  • Additional drug disposal information can be found on the DEA website at: www.deatakeback.com.
• If you cannot get to a drug take back location promptly, or there is none near you:
  • Mix the unused supply with an undesirable substance such as dirt or coffee grounds.
  • Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag, then place the sealed container in your trash. 
  • Make sure to conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off to protect your privacy.
  • Place both the sealed container with the mixture and the empty drug containers in the trash. 
  • Only flush approved unused or expired medications down the toilet if indicated as safe on the label, patient information, or no other disposal options are available.

More information on the safe disposal of medications can be found on the United States Department of Health and Human Services website: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/prevention/safely-dispose-drugs/index.html

Questions?

If you have questions about the CareOregon Advantage MTM program or would like to obtain the service documents, please call Customer Service at 503-416-4279, toll-free at 888-712-3258 or TTY 711. Our hours are: October 1 through March 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; and April 1 through September 30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday. You can also send us a secure message through the member portal. You can also print a blank copy of the personal medication list here.