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Save Money, Consider Generics First

The rising cost of health care is a concern to everyone. The cost of prescription medications is no exception.

One thing you can do to help lower your drug costs is to use a generic, instead of a brand name prescription, whenever possible. When your doctor is ready to write a prescription for you or a family member, it's a good idea to ask first if there might be a generic drug that could be used. Generics are copies of brand name medications that have been fully tested and approved by the federal government. Generics have the same strength, purity, safety and quality of more expensive brand name drugs.

Every generic medication is tested and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (the FDA). Generics are proven to be:

• SAFE - Ingredients used in generic drugs meet the same standards for quality as brand name drugs. Generics are made in labs that have been inspected and approved by the FDA. And the finished product is tested for purity before it ever reaches pharmacy shelves.
• EFFECTIVE - Generics are proven to act in the body in the same way as their brand name counterparts. The strength, active ingredients and quality of generics match their brand name substitutes.
• AFFORDABLE - Everyone saves money when generics are used. On average, the cost of a generic is about one-third the cost of a brand name medication. Your co-pay is usually much lower with a generic. In addition, you gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing something to lower the cost of health care for your benefit plan. And that helps to keep the cost of your health care affordable.

If you are now using a brand name prescription medication, there may be a lower cost generic replacement available. Use this Preferred Products Search to see if there is a generic replacement for the brand name drug you are using.

IMPORTANT - Only your doctor can choose the most appropriate medication for you. Please discuss any medication changes with your doctor.