Get free help with your medications! Talk to a pharmacist for free to review your medications and learn how to save money.

What is the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program?

Just like seeing a doctor, it's good to check your medications every year. The MTM program is a yearly check-up with a pharmacist. They help you understand why you take each medication, how well they work together, the best way to take them, and check for any problems as your health changes. The MTM program is not a benefit. It is a plan-required program by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Our pharmacists are trained to help you get the best results from your medication. They know how and where to get your medications at the best price.

How do I qualify?

You can get a free medication check if you have Medicare drug plan and:

Have 3 or more of these conditions: Alzheimer's, weak bones (osteoporosis), arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid), high blood sugar (diabetes), high cholesterol, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure, ongoing trouble breathing (asthma/COPD), depression, or bipolar disorder;

AND

Regularly take 8 or more medications;

AND

Expect to spend over $1,276 on medications in 2026.

You may also qualify if you are a Medicare drug plan member and are considered “at-risk” by your doctor.

How do I start?

If you qualify, you will get a letter in the mail from the health plan asking you to join the MTM program. The letter will tell you how to join. You may also get a call from a pharmacist to make an appointment. If you can't find your letter, contact us to check if you can join.

Please call our Medicare Customer Care Advocates at 1-877-883-9577 (TTY 711), Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET. Joining the MTM program is optional and won't change your Medicare drug coverage.

What should I expect during my medication review?

Your review will take around 20 minutes but may last as long as 40 minutes if you have a lot of different medications. The pharmacist will go over all your medications, including prescriptions, over the counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. They can answer any questions you have.

After the review, you will get a summary of your review and a medication list to help you track your medications and why you take them.

Working with your doctor

Throughout the year, the pharmacist will also do a targeted medication review to check for any problems with your medication. The pharmacist may call your doctor if there’s a problem. Your medications will only change if you and your doctor agree to make a change.

Cost savings

Joining the MTM program may also help you save money by suggesting lower-cost medications or places with lower copays.

How has the MTM program helped

Check out these real experiences shared by our members.

One drug plan member stopped taking his high blood pressure medication because it cost too much money. Our MTM pharmacist helped find a lower cost choice that would still work. The pharmacist spoke to the prescriber, who agreed to change the medication to the lower cost medication. The patient’s cost dropped to less than $10 and the new medication kept him healthy.

During the review, our MTM pharmacist found two (2) medications that worked the same way to treat the same problem. One of the medications was accidentally added after a hospital stay. The pharmacist called the prescriber who had the member stop one of the medications. This helped to stop side effects from happening and saved a copay.

Our MTM pharmacist found out that a member was treating herself with a medication every day even though her prescriber asked her to take it “as needed.” The member didn’t know how to tell when she needed the medication or not. The pharmacist gave her directions to follow, and she was able to take it when she needed to only. The medication lasted longer with less use and the member felt like she knew exactly what to do.

A member told the MTM pharmacist she stopped taking a medication when the tablets were too big to swallow. Because she stopped her medication, she was not getting better. The pharmacist called the prescriber and asked to change the medication to a liquid. A few days later the pharmacist called to check on the member. She had filled the new medication and was able to swallow the liquid and was feeling much better!

How can I safely throw away medications?

Medication that works for you might not be safe for someone else. If you have medication you don’t need any more or is old, it’s important to throw it away safely. You can use a local drop-off program or follow safe steps at home for some types of medication.

  • The best way to get rid of medications is to take it to a drug take-back site. You can find one near you by using the U.S. Department of Justice’s online search tool.
  • Some pharmacies and police stations have drop-off boxes or mail-back programs. Call your pharmacy or local police (use the non-emergency number) to ask about safe ways to throw away medication.
  • You can also mail medication to special places using approved packages. Visit the DEA Take Back Day website to learn more.
  • Many medications can be safely thrown away in the trash at home. Here’s how:
    • Take off the label to protect your personal information
    • Mix the medication with something like dirt or used coffee grounds
    • Put the mix in a sealed container (like an empty butter tub) before putting it in the trash
  • Learn more about how to safely dispose of drugs.

Contact us

For more information on the MTM program, please call our Medicare Customer Care Advocates at 1-877-883-9577 (TTY 711), Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET. They are available to take your call every day including Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET. from October 1 to March 31.

How can I opt out?

If you do not want a free medication review with a pharmacist this year, you may email the MTM program  . This will opt you out of the program for the 2026 calendar year. Please provide:

  • First & Last Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Member ID (found on your member card):

If you would prefer to be opted out permanently from the program, even if you qualify for a future medication review, please be sure to let us know in your email.

You can opt back into the MTM program at any time by calling the number on the back of your member card.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is an HMO/PPO/HMO D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the New York State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal. Submit a complaint about your Medicare plan at www.Medicare.gov or learn about filing a complaint by contacting the Medicare Ombudsman. Y0028_11355_C.

This page last updated 01-16-2026.

 

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