Pilot Program Reduces the Cost of Generic Cholesterol-lowering Medications
Many members do not realize how important it is to take their medications as prescribed. For instance, when members who have high blood cholesterol do not take their medications correctly, they can endanger their health and increase the risk of heart disease. It has been documented that the high cost of prescriptions can be a barrier to taking cholesterol medications regularly, as prescribed.
In order to address the possible cost barriers to taking these important medications, the State Health Plan has launched a cholesterol-lowering medication adherence program, with the goal of encouraging members to take their cholesterol medications consistently. Members have saved over $2.5 million in copays in the year since the program was launched, and there has been a 2% increase in member adherence to cholesterol medications. This evidence suggests that lowering the cost of generic cholesterol medications has encouraged members to take their medications on a more regular basis; thus, the Plan will continue this program indefinitely.
The copay for all generic cholesterol-lowering medications is $4 for a 1-month supply, or $10 for a 3-month supply. The lower copays apply at any retail pharmacy of your choice in the State Health Plan network and Medco Pharmacy.
The generic cholesterol-lowering medications that are included in the adherence pilot program include:
| 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® |
For frequently asked questions regarding this pilot program, please click here.
If you have additional questions about this program, be sure to call Medco Member Services at 800-336-5933.
The State Health Plan has developed this important program to support you in taking your cholesterol-lowering medication as prescribed, and as affordably as possible.
