Wellness Programs : PBM Issues.
Many firms are still missing an opportunity to trim some medical plan costs.
Generic versions of high-cholesterol drug Zocor have been on market for two years now, but a fair share of business drug store plans have yet to make the switch.
When your PBM gives generic Zocor favored status on the formulary, now’s a good time to remind employees –
• most people on cholesterol-control meds will get the same therapeutic value from generic Zocor as from the label brand and the more potent – and still patented – Lipitor
• they are able to save $10 to $50 (or more, depending on your drug plan design) on their co-payment by switching, but
• they should ask their physician first. People with cholesterol levels over 200 and/or family histories of ultra-high cholesterol could be better off staying on Lipitor.
Reason – It takes four times the amount of a Zocor-type medication to equal one dose of Lipitor.
