The following FAQs answer some common questions about the cholesterol medication adherence pilot program.

1. What is medication adherence?
2. What is the cholesterol medication adherence pilot program?
3. Why is the State Health Plan implementing this pilot program?
4. When will this new pilot program begin?
5. What generic cholesterol-lowing medications are included in this program?
6. Why aren’t other generic medications included in this program?
7. Where can I get the lower copay applied to my generic cholesterol medication?
8. Who can I call with program questions?
9. To obtain the lower generic copay, will I have to obtain a prior approval?
10. I cannot take the generic cholesterol alternatives. Can I still get the $4 copay for my name brand cholesterol-lowering medication?
11. I don’t know any generic alternatives to my cholesterol medication. How do I obtain this information? How much can I save?

1. What is medication adherence?
Medication adherence refers to how closely a patient follows the recommended drug regimen, as prescribed by their health care provider. Not taking medications as prescribed is called “non-adherence”.

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2. What is the cholesterol medication adherence pilot program?
The State Health Plan will launch this program to reduce copays for generic cholesterol-lowering medications to encourage members to take their cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed. Copays for generic cholesterol medications will be lowered to $4 (for the standard 34-day supply) or $10 for a 3-month supply. Also, medication refill reminders will be sent to members periodically.

3. Why is the State Health Plan implementing this pilot program?
The State Health Plan is offering this program because it is important for members with high cholesterol to take their medications as directed to reduce the risk of heart disease. The primary goal of this program is to increase adherence to cholesterol-lowering medications by making these drugs more affordable.

4. When will this new pilot program begin?
The program will begin on April 1, 2009 and will run for a minimum of 18 months. The program may be extended, depending on a review of the program’s results.

5. What generic cholesterol-lowing medications are included in this program?

Generic Medication	Equivalent Name Brand
Cholestyramine/sucrose	Generic for Questran®
Cholestyramine/aspartame	Generic for Questran Light®
Colestipol 1g tablets & 5g packets	Generic for Colestid®
Fenofibrate	Generic for Tricor®
Gemfibrozil	Generic for Lopid®
Lovastatin	Generic for Mevacor®
Pravastatin	Generic for Pravachol®
Simvastatin	Generic for Zocor®

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6. Why aren’t other generic medications included in this program?
This pilot program only includes generic cholesterol-lowering medications at this time. The program may be expanded to other classes of medications after the program is evaluated. Members are encouraged to shop around for lower cost generics available at many national and local retailers. Be sure to check the list of discounted generics available at each pharmacy.

7. Where can I get the lower copay applied to my generic cholesterol medication?
The lower copay will apply at any pharmacy of your choice that is in the State Health Plan network. Members may also save time and money by using Medco By Mail, and can benefit from using Medco’s specialist pharmacists. Specialist pharmacists are trained in the medications used to treat cardiovascular health. They consult with members and providers to coordinate medication needs, help members manage high cholesterol and provide advice on possible ways to reduce medication costs. (To begin using Medco By Mail, click here.)

8. Who can I call with program questions?
If you have questions about this program, please call Medco Member Services at 1-800-336-5933.

9. To obtain the lower generic copay, will I have to obtain a prior approval?
No, a prior authorization is not required to obtain the lower generic copay.

10. I cannot take the generic cholesterol alternatives. Can I still get the $4 copay for my name brand cholesterol-lowering medication?
If you cannot take one of the generic cholesterol alternatives you will be responsible for the copay that applies to the tier corresponding with your name brand cholesterol medication.

11. I don’t know any generic alternatives to my cholesterol medication. How do I obtain this information? How much can I save?
Members are encouraged to talk to their provider(s) about choosing a generic alternative to their cholesterol medication to see if a generic may be appropriate.  The chart below shows the name brand medications in this class, possible $4 generic alternatives, and annual member savings.

Name Brand Cholesterol Medications	Monthly Copay	Generic Alternative Options	Annual Savings
Crestor®, Lipitor®, Altoprev®, Vytorin®* and Advicor®*	$35	Lovastatin, Pravastatin, or Simvastatin	Up to $380
Mevacor®, Pravachol® and Zocor®	$10 + Difference**	Lovastatin, Pravastatin or Simvastatin	Will vary
Lescol®, Lescol XL and Pravachol®	$55	Lovastatin, Pravastatin, or Simvastatin	Up to $620
Welchol®	$35	Colestipol, Cholestyramine sucrose or aspartame	Up to $380
Tricor®	$35	Fenofibrate	Up to $380
Triglide®, Antara®, Lipofen®, Lofibra® and Trilipix®	$55	Fenofibrate	Up to $620

*Vytorin^® and Advicor^® are combination brand name cholesterol medications.
**Difference in price between the brand and generic.

If you currently take a brand name cholesterol medication, ask your doctor if a generic alternative would be appropriate for you.

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