Products December 13, 2004

Express Scripts Launches Generic Drug Incentive Program

December 13, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Express Scripts' clients now have an incentive to switch to lower-cost generic drugs through its new program, Zero Dollar Copay.

Reported by

Kip McDaniel

Members of Express Scripts’ clients, through the program, can have their prescription drug copayment waived by their plan sponsor for six months, according to a press release. The goal of the program is to provide a financial incentive to consider using lower-cost generics, which can save money without any cost-shifting to plan members, the company said in the release.

The therapy classes that this program works for include:

Angiotensin receptor blockers for high blood pressure
Proton pump inhibitors for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as COX-2s and cholesterol lowering drugs

The launch of this new program aims to increase the utilization of generic drugs across the company’s client base, according to the release. Express Scripts has had some success in the past with such programs: in 2003, the company filled 48% of all prescriptions claims through retail pharmacies and mail order services with generic drugs, up 5% since 2002.

Express Scripts ( www.express-scripts.com ) is a pharmacy benefits management company servicing 50 million members in North America.