| Frequently Asked Question |
| Where can I use this plan? |
| The plan is accepted at over 50,000 participating pharmacies throughout the United States. The network includes pharmacy chains, such as CVS, Rite Aid, Medicine Shoppe, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and more, as well as thousands of independent pharmacies throughout the country. |
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| What if my pharmacy doesn't recognize the card? |
| Pharmacies may not be familiar with every prescription program in which they participate. If the pharmacist does not recognize your plan or if you encounter a problem at the pharmacy, DO NOT leave without having the pharmacy call the toll-free number printed on the front of the ID card. |
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| How much will I pay for my prescriptions? |
| There are co-payments of $10.00 for generic drugs, $20.00 for brand name and select generic drugs and $40 for other brand name and select generic drugs based on a Preferred Drug List. On Non-Preferred Prescription Drugs, members pay the network contracted price. |
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| What is my average discount on Non-Preferred Drugs? |
| Members are currently receiving an average discount of approximately 19% on brand name drugs. There is no guaranteed percentage savings on every prescription purchase. The price paid depends upon the pharmacy and the type and quantity of drug purchased. Pharmacies, just like other retail stores, compete against each other and may have special prices on some products. When this is the case, we cannot discount the pharmacy's already low price, but a member will receive the advantage of the pharmacy's special pricing. IT IS INTENDED THAT THE MEMBER ALWAYS RECEIVES THE LOWER OF THE PLAN CONTRACT PRICE OR THE PHARMACY'S PRICE. |
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| What is a generic drug? |
| Once a patent on a brand name drug expires, other drug companies may make a generic version of the drug, with the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA's standards for quality are the same for all manufacturers. This means the generic drug contains the same active ingredients as the brand name whose patent has expired, and that it's as safe, potent and effective. |
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| How can I keep my prescription drug costs down? |
| The use of generic prescription drugs, whenever available, is most cost effective. Don't be shy - discuss your prescription options with your doctor. Ask whether an alternative, less expensive option would work as appropriate for your condition. As always, you should follow the guidance and advice of your physician. |
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| How will I know if there's a generic equivalent available? |
| Simply ask your local pharmacist or call the Customer Service Department to find out about generic equivalents for your prescription. Also ask your doctor to prescribe generics whenever possible and medically appropriate. (Your enrollment packet will include helpful materials you can share with your doctor.). |
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| What is the difference between brand name and generic drugs? |
The brand name is the trade name under which the product is advertised and sold, and is protected by patents so that it can only be produced by one manufacturer for a pre-determined number of years. Once a patent expires, other companies my manufacture a generic equivalent, providing they follow stringent FDA regulations for safety
Generic drugs are drugs for which the patent has expired, allowing other manufacturers to produce and distribute the product under a generic name. Generics are essentially a chemical copy of their brand-name equivalents. The color or shape may be different, but the active ingredients must be the same for both. The preferred drug list contains only FDA-approved generic medications. |
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| What is a Preferred Drug List? |
| A preferred drug list is a list of recommended prescription medications that is created, reviewed and continually updated by a team of physicians and pharmacists. The preferred drug list contains a wide range of generic and brand name preferred products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Your doctor can use this list to select medications for your health care needs, as appropriate for your condition, while helping you maximize your prescription drug benefit. A medication becomes a preferred drug based first on safety and efficacy, then on cost-effectiveness. |
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| What is the difference between a preferred brand name drug vs. a non-preferred brand name drug? |
A preferred brand name drug is a medication that has been reviewed and approved by a group of physicians and pharmacists, and has been selected for preferred status based on its proven clinical and cost effectiveness.
A non-preferred brand name drug is a medication that has been reviewed by the same team of physicians and pharmacists who determined that an alternative drug that is clinically equivalent and most cost effective is available. These designations may change as new clinical information becomes available. |
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| What if the brand drug I am taking is not discounted? |
| If you are currently taking a medication that has similar active ingredients or is used to treat the same conditions as the preferred brand drugs on the plans product guide, it will still be discounted. You will pay the plans negotiated price for that drug. To take advantage of the potential program savings on listed preferred drugs, you should ask your Pharmacist (where regulations permit) or a Doctor to change your medication, where medically appropriate, to a less expensive product listed in the product guide. The plan is accepted at over 50,000 participating pharmacies throughout the United States. The network includes pharmacy chains, such as CVS, Rite Aid, Medicine Shoppe, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and more, as well as thousands of independent participating pharmacies throughout the country. |
Plan available in all states
