Make careful decisions before purchasing prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are the fastest rising area of health care costs and one of the biggest reasons behind dramatic increases in health care costs nationwide. However, you can easily reduce your prescription drug costs with the following tips:

• Use generic drugs whenever possible, even for over-the-counter medications. Remember, the most expensive drug doesn’t mean it’s the best. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requires generic drugs to work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit as the brand-name Most of the drugs you see advertised on TV have generic equivalents that are less expensive. Before your doctor writes your prescription, ask whether there are generic drugs that treat the same condition.
• Know how your drug plan works. Check your copayments, deductible (if applicable), and the maximum amount your plan will pay for in one year. Also be sure to check your plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) and whether it is closed or open. A health plan with a closed formulary pays only for pre-approved drugs. A plan with an open formulary will cover most drugs but at varying prices (tiers).
• Look into manufacturer aid programs. Most major drug manufacturers have programs to help patients who are not able to pay for the medications they need. All of these programs require your doctor to apply for you.
• Take all medications as prescribed. Not refilling your prescription might seem like a good way to save money, but this is dangerous and may be more costly in the long-run. Many drugs, when taken as directed, control medical conditions which prevent expensive medical care or hospitalization in the future.
• Use a mail order pharmacy. Did you know you can use mail-order drug services to have your maintenance medications delivered directly to you? Maintenance medications are drugs used to treat a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. A mail-order program is included in your pharmacy benefit. Make the switch to mail order pharmacy services and enjoy the following benefits:
  • Convenience: You can have up to a 90-day supply of each of your maintenance medications delivered right to your home or office.
  • Savings: Your health plan features lower copayments for prescription medications that are obtained through mail-order.
  • Easy refills: If your prescription is current, you may order refills online, by mail, or by phone at any time of day or night.

How Community Members can use the mail-order pharmacy benefit

Benefits are provided through Postal Prescription Services (PPS). To enroll online, go to PPS – Sign In (ppsrx.com) or call PPS toll-free at 1.800.552.6694.