Independence Blue Cross is saving its members more at the pharmacy counter by extending through 2007 its waiver of copayments and coinsurance on generic drugs. Their No Pay Copay promotion — the first-ever waiver of copays and coinsurance for generics in this market — has been so successful in its first few months that it has been extended to December 31, 2007.

Through No Pay Copay, more than 1.2 million Independence Blue Cross members can fill as many prescriptions for generics as they need throughout 2007 and pay nothing. There is no enrollment necessary and the promotion applies to prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies or by mail. A member only needs to presents a prescription for a covered generic drug and his or her Independence Blue Cross card at a participating pharmacy.

Increasing the use of generics drugs through education and copay waivers is an important aspect of the company’s broader strategy to control the rising costs of prescription drugs and improve the quality and affordability of health care. Another component, introduced in October 2006, is a formulary management program that informs members quarterly, rather than twice a year, when brand name drugs become available in generics.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, generic drugs save consumers up to $10 billion a year at retail pharmacies with no sacrifice in quality or effectiveness.

Dr. Udvarhelyi said Independence Blue Cross has been pleased that pharmacists and physicians are embracing No Pay Copay because they understand the need to improve the affordability of medications for their patients. “Many of my customers have taken advantage of this promotion, and a number of them have switched from a more expensive brand-name drug to a generic,” said Nasir Fahham, RPh, and owner of Pickwick Pharmacy in Philadelphia. “When people use generics it not only saves them money, but they also tend to be more compliant about taking their medications as prescribed. They generally don’t skip taking their drugs or postpone refilling their prescriptions when they are more affordable.”

Some brand-name drugs do not have a generic equivalent, usually because the drug’s patent has not yet expired. In these cases, members can ask their doctors if a generic therapeutic alternative might be appropriate. A generic therapeutic alternative treats a health condition in the same way as the brand-name drug, but uses different active ingredients. For example, if a patient takes Lipitor(TM), for high cholesterol and asks his doctor if a generic is available, the doctor may suggest simvastatin, a generic therapeutic alternative to Lipitor. Switching to simvastatin can help the patient save money and treat his condition in the same way that Lipitor does.

Last year, generics became available for several blockbuster drugs whose patents expired, including those for treating high cholesterol, insomnia, depression, and digestive disorders. Additional generics will become available in 2007. For example, the patents for popular drugs like the sleep medication Ambien(TM) and the high blood pressure drug Norvasc(TM) are expected to expire before the end of the year.

Most members with IBC pharmacy benefits are eligible for the generic copay/coinsurance waiver. Not eligible for this program are members with Medicare Part D drug plans or Personal Choice(R) HSA-Qualified plans, and Keystone Health Plan East HMO members who belong to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.

Find more information about generic drugs at http://www.ibx.com/ or http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/generics_q&a.htm

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered quality health care products and services tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, groups and providers.

Independence Blue Cross recently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO and PPO health care plans. In addition, Independence Blue Cross’s Personal Choice was rated the No. 1 PPO in the nation and its Keystone HMO was ranked the No. 1 HMO in the region by health care consumers in a leading independent consumer magazine. For more information on Independence Blue Cross, visit http://www.ibx.com/.

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