Tips on How to Keep Costs Down

One way to cut costs is to use generic medication instead of brand name or non-formulary drugs. For the most part, the co-pays for generic drugs are staying the same in 2007. Generic drugs use the same active ingredients as brand name drugs but cost as much as 80% less. More and more, commonly used brand drugs are becoming generic because their patents are expiring. For example, Zocor, Flonase, Zoloft, and Zithromax have become generic during this year, and almost half of the 60 most commonly used brand drugs will become generic in the next four years. Here are some ways to save money:

• Ask your doctor if any of your current brand medications has a
generic alternative.

• Check pharmacy prices (e.g. CVS, Wal-Mart, Longs Drugs) to
see if they are lower than your co-pay.

• If you need immediate attention for something that is not life threatening, utilize urgent care centers within your plan instead of the emergency room. You will only be charged a regular office visit co-pay. However, be sure to verify locations and hours of operation. Many urgent care centers are not open 24 hours, so be sure to obtain information about your available urgent care centers and keep it on hand.

• Fill your prescriptions through the mail. You can order your medication on-line or over the phone for less (see Cheaper Prescriptions by Mail inside this issue) and usually, you can receive a 90-day supply.