How Can I Save on Prescription Drugs?
With the rising costs of prescription drugs, it's comforting to know you have drug coverage when your doctor prescribes medication. Even then, your share of the cost may be a concern. That’s why Blue Cross Blue Shield on Michigan is always looking how to save you money.
Here are some tips and programs to help you save on prescription drugs.
Don’t judge a drug by its name. Generic drugs — medication without all the fancy advertising—are safe and work just as well as brand-name drugs. They also lower your copays and overall costs. Need proof?
Generic contraceptives and diaphragms may be covered with no copay. This is true even if your plan doesn‘t include prescription drug coverage.
Check your plan benefits or call the Customer Service number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card if you have questions.
The biggest advantage of using generics is the price. Generics cost around 40 to 60 percent less, and you get the same strength, dosage and quality of medication.
Hospitals and physicians prescribe generics more than brand-name drugs. In fact, they make up more than 80 percent of prescriptions filled in the U.S.
If you want to know what you could save on your prescriptions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about filling them with generics. You can also compare prescription prices when you log in to your member account on our website or the Blue Cross mobile app.
Generics have the same strength and dosage as the brand-name drug. They’re developed with the same standards, and are just as safe and effective.
The FDA tests and approves a generic drug if it:
Generic drugs are often manufactured by companies that also make brand-name drugs. The FDA regulates and inspects all drug manufacturers and all drugs sold in the U.S. If any product doesn’t meet production standards, it’ll be recalled. They hold generic drugs to the same standard.
You may be able to save money and time by getting a 90-day supply of your prescription, as long as it isn’t a specialty drug. The easiest way to find out if your prescription is eligible is to log in to your member account on our website or using the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan app.
You’ll need the name of the drug and the prescribed dosage. After you log in, look for the Prescription section under My Coverage, then:
You can also ask your pharmacist or call the Customer Service number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card.
Brand name or generic, it’s cheaper to take one pill a day instead of two. Our name for it is dose optimization.
If you take your medication more than once a day, ask your doctor whether you can take a stronger dose less frequently.
Call the number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card to check if you're eligible for these programs.
Learn other ways you can use your Blue Cross ID card to save money on your prescription drugs (PDF).
If you’re covered by more than one prescription drug plan, you'll save money when you present the correct health plan card when filling a prescription.