Summer 2009

Release of new generics offers savings opportunities

During 2009 and 2010, 25 brand-name drugs are scheduled to become available in their generic form. The introduction of these generics promises to provide substantial out-of-pocket savings for users. Keep in mind that a generic drug contains the same active ingredients in the same dosage form as a brand-name drug. All generic drugs are approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective.

Not all brand-name drugs have exact generic equivalents, but there may be effective generic alternatives within the same therapeutic class.

We encourage our members to use generic medications. “Generic alternatives to high-priced branded drugs help increase adherence to prescribed drug therapies and improve health care, while providing value to cost-conscious consumers and businesses,” said John Frick, R.Ph., director, pharmacy initiative for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.¹ Our online tool for members, MyBlueService^SM, includes a shopping tool to compare prescription drug prices from selected pharmacies. This allows members to find the least expensive, convenient location to fill their prescriptions.

The Pharmacy page under the Physicians & Providers section of our website, www.bcbsfl.com, contains BCBSF Medication Guides and updates.

The table below reflects a summary of the generic drugs that have or are scheduled to become available during 2009.

Example Cost Savings