For a list of the most commonly prescribed preferred brand-name drugs, download the Most Commonly Prescribed Drug List (file size = 94 KB) as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file. Acrobat Reader software allows you to view and download PDF files. If you currently don't have the software, you can get a copy from the Adobe*. * Links with an asterisk (*) will take you out of the BCBSTX site and open a new browser window.

Your client's plan may have a three-tier pharmacy copay plan design. This new plan design offers members the opportunity to save money by choosing prescription medications that are less costly but equally effective. The plan design retains freedom of choice because benefits will still be available for nearly all branded prescription drugs.

The three-tier pharmacy copay plan design includes three tiers of medications that are comprised of:

• Generic drugs

• Preferred brand-name drugs

• Non-preferred brand-name drugs

Generic drugs are the most affordable drugs and offer members the lowest available copay. Generic drugs are pharmaceutically and therapeutically equivalent to brand-name drugs.

Preferred brand-name drugs are available at a slightly higher copay than generic drugs. The preferred brand-name drug tier consists of the vast majority of high-quality branded drugs.

Non-preferred brand-name drugs have the highest copay. Non-preferred brand-name drugs may not offer clinical or cost advantages over other drugs in the same therapeutic category.

Not all medications have a therapeutic equivalent on the generic or preferred list. Members can check with their pharmacist or physician to see if a substitute is available. Coverage for specific services will depend on their specific benefits program. Be sure that members read their Evidence of Coverage or Benefits Booklet for further details on their program.

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