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5 easy ways to save on your medications

Read time: approximately 2 minutes

More than 131 million Americans use prescription medications. That’s 66% of adults in the United States. The costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to reduce the cost of your prescriptions – and we can help make the process easier through an online Check Drug Cost tool* found on Blueprint Portal.

1. Check your medication costs
You may be paying more than you need to for your prescription medication. Find out if your medication is covered by your plan and estimate the cost by using the Check Drug Cost tool* in your Blueprint Portal account by going to blueprintportal.com or downloading the app. Check for your lowest cost options, including generics and formulary alternatives and view side-by-side comparisons.

2. Use in-network pharmacies for savings
In addition to getting estimates on the cost of your medications, Blueprint Portal provides you with tools to manage your healthcare right from your phone – including finding an in-network pharmacy, accessing your digital member ID card and your current medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using an in-network pharmacy typically means you will have better coverage and pay less out-of-pocket for medications compared to out-of-network pharmacies.

3. Use generic medications whenever possible
Generic drugs are typically a less expensive alternative to a brand name drug. Both contain the same active ingredients and are required by law to meet the same standards for quality, strength, and effectiveness. Generic drugs are typically more easily accessible and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as equivalent. Learn more about generic medications here.

4. Check the drug list before picking up medications
Remind your provider to review your drug list or formulary to ensure your medication is covered by your health plan. This allows your provider to see your lowest cost options before writing your prescription.

5. Consider a 90-day supply
Ask your provider if a 90-day supply is available for medication taken regularly such as those for diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure. Sometimes ordering your regular medications “in bulk” can typically cost less than three 30-day supplies.

Questions?
If you have specific questions about your plan, we recommend reaching out to customer service. They’re happy to walk you through. They can be reached via the number on the back of your member ID card. In addition, during business hours, you can utilize the live chat feature within Blueprint Portal and receive answers to your questions in real time.

Source: Georgetown University Health Policy Institute

*The Check Drug Cost tool is available for all Arkansas Blue Cross members, for all Health Advantage members other than ASE/PSE, and for members whose Pharmacy Benefit Manager is CVS Caremark through the plan’s relationship with BlueAdvantage.

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