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July 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008
Rx for Better Health is a member incentive program that waives copays and coinsurance for 75 generic
drugs, which are typically used to treat chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes,
depression, acid reflux, heart failure, and heart disease. Ask your doctor if one of these drugs might be right for you.
High blood pressure/
High cholesterol
Depression
Heart failure/Heart disease
Acid reflux
Diabetes
Rx for Better Health requires no enrollment. Eligible members need only to show their ID card at a participating pharmacy or place a mail order; copays and coinsurance on the 75 generic drugs in the program will be automatically waived. Rx for Better Health is not available to Medicare Part D members or federal employees. Other exclusions may apply.
www.ibx.com
Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Frequently asked questions about
Rx for Better Health
Questions and answers
Q: What’s the difference between a brand name drug and a generic equivalent drug?
A: According to the Food and Drug Administration, generic drugs are the same as their brand name equivalents in active ingredients, dosage, safety, strength, and performance, and are held to the same strict standards as their brand name counterparts. The only noticeable difference between a generic and its brand name drug counterparts may be the shape and/or color of the drug. While generic drugs are just as effective as the corresponding brand name drugs, they typically cost up to 70 percent less, which helps control health care costs. This helps you in the long run because the generic option is always the lowest cost to you.
Q: What if my drug is not available in generic form?
A: Even if your drug is not yet available in generic form there may be a generic drug that could work just as well for you. If you are taking a brand name drug, you may want to talk to your doctor about which generic drugs could treat your condition. While a brand name drug is still protected under patent, a generic equivalent cannot be made. During this patent protection time, in the interests of saving money and maintaining optimal health, many patients and doctors will discuss the option of substituting a generic therapeutic alternative. A therapeutic alternative is actually the generic equivalent for a different brand name drug and treats the condition using a different active ingredient. For most of these patients, these substitutions work just as effectively.
Q: Will generic drug copayments or coinsurance be waived if I purchase drugs through mail order
instead of at the local retail pharmacy?
A: Yes. We will automatically waive any copay or coinsurance amount on any generic drug on the attached list, whether filled through a mail order or participating retail pharmacy. Please note: If your prescription drug plan has a deductible, you are required to meet the deductible before becoming eligible for the waiver.
Q: What should I ask my doctor?
A: Would one of these 75 generic drugs a good option for me, and could it treat my condition in the same way? What other brand name drugs am I taking that could be replaced with generics? Q: What if I’m already taking drugs on the Rx for Better Health list for a chronic condition?
A: If you’re already taking one or more of the Rx for Better Health drugs, we encourage you to continue,
as directed by your doctor. Please consider this program a reward for choosing generics and a way that you will be able to save money over the long term, since generic are always the lowest cost to you on your prescription plan.
Q: Why are some generic drugs on the Rx for Better Health list and others are not?
A: The drugs selected for inclusion in Rx for Better Health were chosen by consideration of two factors. First,
these generic drugs represent some of the highest used prescription drugs among all drugs, both within the IBC member population and on a national level. Secondly, the drugs selected have a tremendous amount of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Clinical studies have proven there is a significant opportunity for improved health with these particular drugs. Many of them, in fact, are considered the treatments of choice by physicians.

Source: http://architect.wwwcomm.com/Uploads/katzpierz/Documents/2008%20Rx%20promotion.pdf