How Can I Save on Prescription Drugs?

With the rising costs of prescription drugs, it's comforting to know you have drug coverage when your doctor prescribes medication. Even then, your share of the cost may be a concern. That’s why we’re always looking for ways to save you money.

Here are some tips and programs to help you save on prescription drugs.

Embrace generic

Don’t judge a drug by its name. Generic drugs—medication without all the fancy advertising—are safe and work just as well as brand-name drugs. They also lower your copays and overall costs. Need proof?

Generic contraceptives and diaphragms may be covered with no copay. This is true even if your plan doesn‘t include prescription drug coverage.

Check your plan benefits or call the Customer Service number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card if you have questions.

Buy in bulk

You may be able to save money and time by getting a 90-day supply of your prescription, as long as it isn’t a specialty drug. The easiest way to find out if your prescription is eligible is to log in to your member account on our website or using the Blue Cross mobile app.

You’ll need the name of the drug and the prescribed dosage. After you log in, look for the prescription section under My Coverage, then:

  • On our website, select Price a Drug
  • On the app, go to pharmacy coverage, and select Price a Medication from the main screen; you may have to scroll down a little
  • After you enter the name and dosage of your drug, use the calculate pricing section to see how many days' supply is available

You can also ask your pharmacist or call the Customer Service number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card. 

Double up

Brand name or generic, it’s cheaper to take one pill a day instead of two. Our name for it is dose optimization.

If you take your medication more than once a day, ask your doctor whether you can take a stronger dose less frequently.

Programs for Blue Cross PPO members

Call the number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card to see if you're eligible for these programs.

Learn other ways you can use your Blue Cross ID card to save money on your prescription drugs (PDF).

Benefit coordination helps you save

If you’re covered by more than one prescription drug plan, you'll save money when you present the correct health plan card when filling a prescription.

  • When you get your primary coverage through another insurance carrier, show that insurance card to the pharmacist and ask to have it processed as your primary insurance.
  • If Blue Care Network would normally cover your prescription, ask your pharmacist to bill BCN for your remaining out-of-pocket costs. You can also pay your out-of-pocket costs up front and get reimbursed for an approved amount. That amount varies depending on your copay. To get reimbursed, submit your pharmacy receipts using this reimbursement form (PDF).
Still need help?

We're just a phone call away.

Contact us

Was this helpful?