Ways to Save

Saving Money

We want to help you better understand your pharmacy benefits so that you can make the best health care choices and get the most from your pharmacy coverage.

There are many ways to save money on your medications.  By clearly understanding your pharmacy benefits, you will be able to talk to your health care provider about the best medication options for you.  Two simple ways for you to save money on your medications are: replacing brand name prescriptions with generic alternatives and using over-the-counter (OTC) medications instead of prescription medications. 

Ask for Generics

Generic medications are always the least expensive prescription option.  You can save money by asking your provider if there is a generic option for a brand name medication you have been prescribed. Many popular brand name drugs now have generic equivalents that provide the same benefit as their brand name counterparts, but have a copay of $10, instead of $35, $55.

  • Click here to learn more about lower cost prescription programs.
  • Click here to learn more about how to save money with generics.
  • Click here for information on the low cost generic cholesterol lowering medications program.

Use Over-the-Counter Medications

An easy way for State Health Plan members to save money is to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications instead of more costly prescriptions.  Many common prescription drugs are available in OTC formulations. 

Many State Health Plan members take expensive prescription allergy medications (non-sedating antihistamines).  OTC non-sedating antihistamines are safe and effective medications that relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes without causing drowsiness and without the need for a prescription. Many non-sedating antihistamines are now available as over-the-counter (OTC) products in the same strength as the more expensive prescription alternatives.  Clck here to learn more about the OTC allergy medications that are now available.

A number of Plan members also take expensive prescription heartburn medications.  Your pharmacy benefit covers OTC heartburn medications Prilosec OTC® (omeprazole), generic omeprazole OTC, Prevacid® 24HR, and Zegerid® OTC (when it is available) .  The OTC products contain the same active ingredients and are as strong, safe and effective as the prescription products.  The copay for OTC heartburn medications is $5 for a 42-day supply.  Click here to learn more about ways to save on heartburn medication.

Compare the Cost of Alternative Prescriptions

You can review and identify potential cost-saving alternatives for your prescriptions using Medco’s My Rx Choices, a tool available at medco.com.  My Rx Choices can assist you with finding medications that may save you money. Savings can come from generics, lower-cost brand name alternatives, over-the-counter medications, or using Medco by Mail.  Click here to learn more about My Rx Choices.