Why are the costs for prescription drugs going up?

More than ever before, health care in America has enhanced our every day lives and improved our life expectancies. Part of this is because the pharmaceutical industry has produced a stream of new drugs in recent years to treat chronic and deadly diseases. But these new drugs come with a new price tag — often many times as much as older drugs. In fact, studies have shown that in recent years retail prescription spending has soared nearly 20% annually. Plus, drug companies have gained greater patent protection on their brand-name drugs allowing them to sell their patented drugs exclusively over a longer period of time, often at increasingly higher prices. In addition, drug companies’ expensive advertising has driven the demand and cost even higher.

Why should I care what a drug costs? I have health plan coverage.

Ultimately, everyone pays for increasing drug costs through higher copays and coinsurance. The choices you make today will affect your premiums tomorrow. Asking for the generic version when you get your prescription filled may save you money directly. Sometimes generic drugs have a lower copay or coinsurance than brand-name drugs. And you won't sacrifice quality.

My plan says I need prior authorization before I can have my prescription filled. What does this mean?

Several drugs within the formulary require prior authorization from Blue Cross before your provider can write the prescription. To see if your drug needs prior authorization, search the drug list (formulary).

Where can I have my prescriptions filled?

Take your prescription to any pharmacy that’s part of our nationwide pharmacy network and show your Blue Cross member ID card before placing your order. Over 60,000 pharmacies participate. Call toll-free at 1-800-509-0545 to find a network pharmacy near you. Pharmacies include well-known chains and thousands of independent pharmacies.