Traditionally, Extended Health coverage has been provided on a "reimbursement" basis, where the employee must pay for the service or supply and then submit a claim to the insurer.  Most carriers today however offer a "drug card" that allows an entire prescription drug claim to be processed at the dispensing pharmacy.  Plan members simply present their drug card to their pharmacist along with the prescription.  The pharmacist submits the transaction on-line to the insurer and is immediately advised of the eligibility of the claim.

The medicine is dispensed with the pharmacist collecting only the co-payment required of the employee.