There are many things to know when it comes to getting the medicine you need. How much will it cost? Is there one that will work just as well but cost less? Does it matter where I go to get my prescription filled?

And these are just a few. We have some tips to help.

People don’t always understand what goes into how much you pay for a drug. You may think whatever your pharmacy says you owe for what your doctor prescribes is what you’re stuck with paying.

You may have more choices about what you pay than you think. Here are some ways you can manage some of your drug costs.

Ask for a Generic 

Generic drugs are just as effective as brand name drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options. There may be a generic or lower-cost choice available for a drug your doctor wants you to take.

Generics are often cheaper than a brand name drug. In fact, generics can be as much as 85 percent less than brand name drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains why generic drugs may be the best choice.  

Compare Prices

Just like grocery stores and gas stations, pharmacies can charge different prices. A drug that costs $12 at one pharmacy may be just $4 at another.

We also have certain pharmacies that work with us to help keep costs as low as possible for our members. You can find network pharmacies by logging in to your account. After you log in, go to Pharmacy and click on Retail Pharmacy Finder.

If you have Prime Therapeutics (Prime) as your pharmacy benefits administrator, you can also find network pharmacies by logging in to your account on MyPrime.com.  After you log in to MyPrime, click Pharmacies at the top and enter your location. 

In your online account and on MyPrime,com, you can compare drug prices at the pharmacies in your network.

Check Your Drug List

The plan you have uses its own drug list. That means not every drug on the market is covered. And doctors don’t always check your drug list before they prescribe a drug. If a drug seems expensive when you go to have it filled, it could be that it isn’t on your drug list or may be in a higher payment tier.

You can see what is on your drug list by logging in to your account if you have Prime as your pharmacy administrator. If it isn’t on the list, call your doctor’s office and ask them to prescribe a drug from your list. You have the right to ask for a coverage exception (if your benefits allow). You or your doctor can submit the required documentation.

Learn more about these special requirements at the pharmacy section of our website.

Prime Therapeutics LLC is a separate company contracted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to provide pharmacy solutions. BCBSIL, as well as several independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, has an ownership interest in Prime Therapeutics.

MyPrime.com is a pharmacy benefit website offered by Prime Therapeutics LLC.

Source: Generic Drug Facts,  U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2021