Why Are Generic Drugs Less Expensive Than Brand Name Drugs?
Since generic drug companies do not have to develop a medication from scratch, it costs significantly less to bring the drug to the market. Once a generic medication is approved, several companies can produce and sell the drug. This competition helps lower prices. In addition, many generic drugs
Why Are Generic Drugs Less Expensive Than Brand Name Drugs?...

Do Formularies Have Any Restrictions?
Most health plan formularies have procedures to limit or restrict certain medications. This is done to encourage your doctor to use certain medications appropriately, as well as to save money by preventing medication overuse. Some common restrictions include:Prior Authorization: a process by which your doctor must obtain approval
Do Formularies Have Any Restrictions?...

What Is a Drug Formulary?
A drug formulary is a list of prescription drugs, both generic and brand name, that are preferred by your health plan. Your health plan may only pay for medications that are on this "preferred" list. Additionally, health plans will only pay for medications that have been approved for
What Is a Drug Formulary?...

How Much Can I Save if I Switch to a Generic Drug?
Generic medications can save you up to 80% on the cost of a prescription when compared with the brand name drug. Most often, the savings range from 30% to 50%. According to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the average retail price of a generic prescription drug in
How Much Can I Save if I Switch to a Generic Drug?...

Are my generic medications as safe and effective as brand name medications?
According to the FDA, all drugs, including brand name drugs and generic drugs, must work well and be safe. Generic drugs use the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts and, therefore, have the same risks and benefits. Many people are concerned about the quality of generic
Are my generic medications as safe and effective as brand name medications?...

I Have a Health Plan with Drug Coverage. Can I Still Save on Generic Drugs?
Yes. Most health plans with drug coverage pay for medications based on a drug formulary. A drug formulary is a list of preferred prescription drugs, both generic and brand name. Each time you have a prescription filled you are responsible for copay, which is your share of the
I Have a Health Plan with Drug Coverage. Can I Still Save on Generic Drugs?...

What Is a Formulary Tier?
Drugs on a formulary are usually grouped into tiers, and your co-payment is determined by the tier that your medication is on. A typical drug formulary includes three tiers.Tier 1 has the lowest co-payment and usually includes generic medications.Tier 2 has a higher co-payment than tier 1
What Is a Formulary Tier?...

Can I Change My Treatment to Include a Generic Medication?
Yes. Depending on your health condition and the drugs that are available to treat that condition, your doctor may be able to switch you to a similar medication that has a generic version. Some of the most common health conditions, including high cholesterol, depression, allergies and diabetes, have
Can I Change My Treatment to Include a Generic Medication?...