The cost of prescription medicines is always a hot topic. Most of us have experienced sticker shock at least once when we’ve filled a prescription. So, it’s not surprising that one in four Americans say it’s hard to pay for their medications. It can be especially tough for people with chronic health conditions who take more than one medication.

One health tracking poll shows people can get pretty creative when it comes to saving money on their medications. One in five don’t fill their prescriptions. One in 10 admit they cut pills in half or skip a dose. We all know neither is a good plan. Both can make a health condition worse.

Save More Money on Your Prescriptions

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has a better idea. What if you could search for the lowest-price options for your prescriptions? What if you could get alerts when savings were found? Lower prices mean lower out-of-pocket costs and more money in your pocket.

Here’s How It Works

As part of your pharmacy benefits with BCBSIL, you can use Medication Finder powered by Rx Savings Solutions^TM (RxSS) to search for savings on the prescription drugs you take.* It doesn’t change anything related to your plan benefits or pharmacy preferences. What it does do is help you find lower-cost options for medications covered by your health plan to treat your condition. No stone is left unturned in the quest to save you money.

Using its high-power search function, Medication Finder software flags:

• Generic options for name-brand drugs
• Better prices at other drug stores or mail-order services
• Medications that work just as well for your condition but cost less

You can also sign up to get alerts from RxSS about savings. BCBSIL works with RxSS to find prescription drug savings as a service to our members. If you decide to switch to a lower-cost option, RxSS will even call your doctor and handle the details for you.

See Your Savings, Anytime, Anywhere

Medication Finder and savings alerts from RxSS make it easy to stay up to date on savings opportunities for all your current and new prescriptions. Each time you are prescribed a new prescription drug covered by your plan, you can use Medication Finder’s search feature to check pricing on medications.

Plus, you’ll get an alert from RxSS via your choice of email, phone, text or letter. The alert will tell you when you’re paying too much on your prescriptions.

Share the Savings

Dependent coverage is available to individuals up to age 26, and is included when their parent or guardian signs up for Rx Savings Solutions. Adult dependents simply need to launch their own account and share access to view savings info linked to dependents’ medications.

Start Lowering Your Out-of-pocket Costs Now

It’s easy to save. Activate your Rx Savings Solutions account with a few easy steps.

• Go to BCBSIL.com/rxsavings to log in to your Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM^SM) account.
• If you don’t have a BAM account, you can create one by logging in to bcbsil.com.
• Click Medication Finder in the browser tile.
• See all your options for the lowest-price prescription drugs you or your covered dependents need.

You can learn more about your prescription drug coverage on the pharmacy section of our website.

*Depending on your benefit plan, you may have access to this resource tool. Not all BCBSIL pharmacy members have this tool today, but it will be expanded soon. This information is also intended for members who have Prime Therapeutics (Prime) pharmacy administration. If you’re not sure if you have Prime, check your Blue Access for Members account, ask your benefits administrator, check the pharmacy information on your member ID card or call the customer service number on your member ID card.

 Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS) is an independent company that contracts directly with Prime Therapeutics® to provide Rx consultations. RxSS does not offer other health plan products or services and is solely responsible for the products and services that it provides. BCBSIL makes no endorsements, representations or warranties regarding third-party vendors. Members should contact the vendor directly with questions about the products or services offered by third parties. 

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.

Sources: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans Taking Prescription Drugs Say It’s Difficult to Afford Their Medicines, including Larger Shares Among Those with Health Issues, with Low Incomes and Nearing Medicare Age,  Kaiser Family Foundation, 2019

Originally published 7/25/2022; Revised 2024