New Generic Prescribing Program Effective on March 1, 2010
On March 1, 2010, MSU implemented a Generic Prescribing Program that decreases prescription drug plan costs and continues to protect employee and retiree choice and access to quality medications. The changes strengthen the incentive for plan enrollees to choose less costly generic versions of medications by requiring enrollees to pay the cost difference when they choose to buy brand name drugs when a generic option is available. There is no evidence that brand name drugs are any more effective than generic drugs, but the cost difference between brand name and generic drugs is significant.
Effective July 1, 2011, there will be an expansion to the Generic Prescribing Program. Three additional classes of drugs will be added to the level 2 part of the Generic Prescribing Program that requires prescription drug plan enrollees to use a “same-class” generic when available to avoid paying the cost between a brand drug and the same-class generic option. These new classes of drugs being added to the program include migraine medications, blood pressure drugs (ARBs and ACEs), and acne antibiotics.
Presentation Slides from Information Sessions
Flow Chart Depicting Drug Pricing
Ask Questions About the Program
Visit the CVS/Caremark Web Site
