Prescription Drug Insurance Plans

Learn more about prescription drug insurance plans on the insurance blog. Prescription drug plans are making meds cheaper to help prevent costly treatment in the future.

A number of health insurance companies are introducing new prescription drug insurance plans that can help people with chronic conditions pay for their meds. The thinking is that a more affordable prescription drug plan will result in more people taking their medication on a regular basis; thus reducing the need for costly medical expenses in the future. It’s about time, right?

Michigan’s Blue Care Network, which resides under the Blue Cross/Blue Shield umbrella, has seen more than a 20% increase in asthma drugs prescriptions since they reduced the prescription drug plan’s co-pay for the medicine to $10. In addition to more people filling their prescriptions, Blue Care Network’s studies of asthma-related hospital visits for members also went down in the first year that they launched the new prescription drug insurance plan. Blue Care Network is looking into reducing co-pays in the plan for cardiovascular and diabetes-related prescription drugs in 2008.

The Cleveland Clinic employee prescription drug plan hopes to see similar results- the company reduced co-pays for costly cholesterol drugs in 2006. Their program slashed costs for drugs like Lipitor from $100 for a three-month supply to $8. 40% of members who use the drugs have joined the prescription drug insurance plan, which requires that members visit a Cleveland Clinic pharmacy to fill prescriptions. The Cleveland Clinic doesn't expect to see benefits for at least a decade, but feels justified in ensuring they'll have healthier employees. Sounds like they're on the right track for improving workplace wellness.

Learn about other ways you can save on prescription drug insurance plans.

Talk back with a writer- tell Lisa Nichols about your experiences with prescription drug plans and submit news, tips and story ideas to the insurance blog.