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Understanding Your Prescription Drug Benefits

Prescription drugs can be an important part of managing your health. Understanding your drug benefits can help you work with your doctor to choose effective, affordable drugs to manage your out-of-pocket costs. 

Are my drugs covered?

When your doctor prescribes a medication, it is important to know if it is covered by your plan. 

What are my options if my drug isn’t covered or is too expensive?

There could be a medication under a different name that can provide similar clinical benefits at a lower cost. Talk with your doctor to review your options, which might include the following:

Ask for a Formulary Product.

If your drug is not covered (not on the formulary), share your formulary with your doctor and discuss the use of a formulary drug. An alternative might be on the formulary that is proven to be just as effective and safe but less costly or may not require prior authorization. In almost every situation, the cost-share of a formulary drug will cost you less than a non-formulary drug.

Consider a generic medication.

Generic drugs can often save you money. Ask if there is a generic version of your brand name drug.

Consider a Different Drug.

Not all brand name drugs have generics. However, there could be a medication, under a different name, or in a different category, that can provide similar clinical benefits at a lower cost.

Drug vs. Therapeutic Alternative*
cost estimate per month

Eliquis $540.54 vs dabigatran $214.84, Trintellix $461.00 vs sertraline $8.32, Nurtec $1,188.68 vs sumatriptan $10.39
Shop Around.

Just like other goods and services we buy, prescription drugs can have different costs at different pharmacies. Investing some time to compare costs might save you money. 

If you are concerned about drug costs, call or visit other pharmacies that are convenient for you. The pharmacy staff will be able to tell you the out-of-pocket cost of your drug(s) based on your plan. 

If you decide to switch pharmacies to take advantage of any cost savings, find helpful tips to make the switch a little easier.

Remember to switch all your prescriptions if you take more than one drug. It is important that your new pharmacy has a complete list of your medications for health and safety reasons.

Contact Member Services if you need assistance.

* Drug costs shown are estimates for informational purposes only and may change daily. Talk with a pharmacist for specific costs that apply to you.