Lower Cost Generic Prescription Programs
Be sure to shop around for your generic prescriptions. Many national and local retail pharmacies now offer generics at discounted prices. As of September 1, 2009, Medco will also begin offering State Health Plan members lower cost generics on a mail-order basis. Medco’s mail-order pharmacy has more than 400 generics at $10 or less for a 90-day supply, with free shipping.
Most of the lower cost prescription programs offer generic medications at $4 for a one month supply or $10 for a three month supply. However, each program offers the generics at varying prices and some pharmacies require a fee to join their discount prescription program. Each pharmacy has a unique program with different generic medications included at the discounted price. Check the list of discounted generics at each pharmacy to see if the generic you take is included.
The table below lists pharmacies with lower cost generic prescription programs and provides a link to their Web sites, where you can find program information and a list of discounted generics:
Pharmacy* |
Harris Teeter |
Kmart |
Kroger |
Medco Pharmacy |
Rite Aid |
Target |
Walgreens |
Walmart |
* Please note that the State Health Plan does not endorse a particular generic prescription program. This is not a complete list of all generic prescription programs available in North Carolina. The terms and conditions of these programs are subject to change at any time without notice.
Each pharmacy has a specified list of generics that are covered at the discounted prices. Most are limited to the more common generics that have been available for a few years. Many of the newer, more expensive generics such as allergy medication fexofenadine (generic Allegra), simvastatin (generic Zocor) for cholesterol, and omeprazole (generic Prilosec) for heartburn are not included on these lists. However, it is worth checking to see if these generics are included, as the lists are constantly being updated.
State Health Plan members can take advantage of these discounted generic programs, and Medco will process the claim accordingly.
