Tips for Prescription Drug Benefits

• If you have prescription drug benefits use these tips to make sure you make the most out of those benefits.

  • Carry your member ID card with you.
    For accurate benefit payment make sure that your pharmacy has a record of your most current member ID card.
    
    
  • Use a network pharmacy.
    By visiting a network pharmacy you will receive your appropriate prescription drug benefit.
    
    
  • Use formulary medications.
    Ask your doctor to prescribe a formulary drug whenever clinically appropriate. A generic or formulary brand may be available at a lower cost.
    
    
  • Use generic drugs when available.
    You can also save money by purchasing generic medications. Generics, by law, must meet the same standards for safety, purity, strength and quality as brand name medications.
    
    
  • Ask about over-the-counter medicines.
    You may be able to reduce your overall prescription drug costs by asking your doctor or pharmacist if there are over-the-counter (OTC) versions for your prescription drugs.. Many commonly used drugs are now available OTC.
    
    
  • Be an informed consumer.
    If you're already a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas member, log in to Blue Access® for Members to learn more about your pharmacy benefits. You can locate a pharmacy, review the formulary, get an estimate of the cost of your medications, and learn about drug side effects and interactions.