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Posted July 7, 2015 09:40:24 CDT

How to be a Smarter Health Care Consumer (Part Four) Generic Drugs and Preventive Service

Switch to Generic Drugs

Every time your doctor prescribes a drug, consider the following options:

  • Ask if a generic drug replacement is available if your doctor prescribes a brand name drug. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients, are safe, and are often as equally effective as brand name drugs. Copays can be significantly lower if you use a generic versus a brand‐name drug.
  • Ask for a 90‐day versus 21‐day supply if your doctor prescribes a medication you need to take long‐term and use the mail‐order feature of your prescription drug plan. Mail‐order pharmacies can usually provide a three‐month supply of drugs for about the same price as a one‐month supply at a local pharmacy. Use the auto enroll feature under your prescription drug plan to re‐order your mail‐order medications.
  • Ask if there is an alternative therapy — an over‐the‐counter (OTC) alternative may sometimes be used for your medical issue instead of a prescribed drug. Keep commonly used OTC medicines on hand – doing so may prevent unnecessary visits to the doctor or the emergency room. Always be aware of the expiration dates of all medicines.

Seek annual preventive services

Your health plan provides for certain preventive care services at no cost to you and, depending on your age and gender, includes mammograms, colonoscopies, cholesterol tests, flu shots, routine vaccines, and well-baby visits. You may avoid unnecessary illnesses, chronic conditions, and associated expenses by seeking yearly preventive services from in‐network providers.

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