Business Editors
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 28, 2003
Health Plan to Emphasize Generic Alternatives That Empower Members
and Help Them Control Out-of-Pocket Costs
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) today announced the implementation of a unique generic alternative program, GenericSelect(SM).
BCBSGA insured members will have their first prescription co-pay waived when they begin a new drug therapy with a GenericSelect(SM) drug. GenericSelect(SM) is the next generation in generic encouragement programs because it emphasizes highly respected and widely used generic drugs that can be appropriate substitutes for many brand name drugs within a therapeutic class, not just the generic version of the equivalent brand name. The program is designed to enhance dialogue between members and their physicians, and help control and reduce escalating out-of-pocket prescription costs for the member.
GenericSelect(SM) is available to the majority of BCBSGA's commercial members.
In addition, the program complements the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's efforts to educate consumers about using generic drug alternatives. Based on rigorous studies, the FDA has conclusively determined that generic drugs are safe and effective. The list of drugs available through the GenericSelect program is as follows:
GenericSelect(SM) Drugs Equivalent Brand Common FDA Other Brand
Name Drug Indications Name Drugs
with Similar
FDA
Indications
----------------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------
Fluoxetine(a) Prozac++ Depression Zoloft(a),
Paxil(a),
Lexapro(a)
----------------------- ----------------- -------------- -------------
Lovastatin(a) Mevacor++ High Lipitor(a),
Cholesterol Pravachol(a),
Zocor++,
