Friday, 28 December 2007
Blue Cross Blue Shield Of North Carolina Cuts Drug Copayments
On January 1, 2008, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) will waive copayments for generic drugs and reduce the copays for some brand name drugs, reported the Herald-Sun.
The plan for Blue Cross is to change how they cover prescription drugs to make them more accessible and more affordable.
Currently, Blue Cross puts different medications in four different tiers from lowest to highest copayment — generic drugs, preferred brand name drugs, non-preferred brand name drugs that may have generic alternative, and specialty drugs.
The change would provide generic medications, such as Zocor and Glucophage, for no copayment. It also moves some brand name drugs into a lower cost tier — with an average of $20 to $25 savings for brand names.
Those eligible for the new drug benefit includes anyone covered by a BCBSNC employer group plan and any self-insured groups where Blue Cross operates claims processing.
North Carolina’s largest health insurer made the changes because they believe it will both save in long-term healthcare costs, and help improve residents’ health through preventive medications.
“This is about education and the elimination of barriers. We found a number of well-documented barriers, one of the biggest of which is cost. The other is forgetfulness,” said Ron Smith, BCBSNC’s head pharmacist.
Technorati Tags: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina prescription drugs drug copayments
