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Prescription Savings

Save money on prescription medications through your health plan.

How we keep medication costs down

The high expense and use of medications is one of the main factors contributing to rising healthcare costs. We created a broad retail pharmacy network at a competitive contracted rate so we can offer better medication costs to you. There are some steps you can do to pay less for your medications.

1. Choose generic drugs

Generic medications are cheaper and just as effective and safe as brand-name drugs.

2. Use mail order

Save time and money by using mail order to get drugs delivered right to your home.

3. Rx savings tool

Rx Savings Solutions helps you easily find the lowest-price medication.

pill containers without labels

Save money with generics

Generic drugs have been proven to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. They may come in different shapes and colors than their brand-name equivalent, but they contain the same active ingredients, and are available in the same strength and dosage. On average, a member can save up to $222 per year by using a generic drug instead of a brand-name drug. Find out more about the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approved drugs.

Before filling a prescription, always ask your provider/pharmacist:

  • Is this drug available as a generic, or
  • Is there a low-cost generic available within this group of drugs that works the same?

Convenient mail-order delivery

Long-term medications (medications you take regularly) can be delivered to your home by Express Scripts. You’ll receive a 90-day supply. You will usually pay less than what you pay for the same amount at a retail pharmacy.

Change current prescriptions

Change current prescriptions

If you currently take a long-term medication, switch your existing prescription to mail order by phone, online, or mail.

Before requesting a change to mail-order delivery, make sure you have a two-week supply of your prescription available.

Online:

  1. Go to Manage Prescriptions page.
  2. Follow the steps under “Change current prescriptions to mail order.”
  3. Go to Express Scripts
  4. Choose which medication you want to switch to a 3-month supply
  5. Express Scripts will contact your provider and request a new mail-order prescription.

Phone: Call Express Scripts at 800-391-9701
By mail: Complete and mail the Express Scripts Home Delivery Order form  (PDF document)
Formulario de Pedido de Envío a Domicilio  (PDF document)

New prescriptions

New prescriptions

When your provider writes you a new prescription for a long-term medication, ask them to fill the prescription at Express Scripts.

  1. If you need the medication immediately, ask your provider to write you two prescriptions.
    • One that you can fill at a local in-network pharmacy right away
    • And one 90-day prescription to submit to Express Scripts
  2. Each new prescription must be mailed or faxed by your provider to Express Scripts
  3. If you are taking more than one medication, also complete the Express Scripts Health, Allergy & Medication Questionnaire  (PDF document).
Man holding mobile phone and pill container

Save money with new Rx savings tool

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska now offers Rx Savings Solutions to help you easily find the lowest-price options for prescription drugs. This service is linked to your health plan for your whole family—everything is personalized for your medications and insurance. Note: If you have an employer-based plan, check with your employer to find out if Rx Savings Solutions is included in your benefits.

START NOW: Your account is ready to be activated online or by phone.

Here’s how Rx Savings Solutions works:

  • Your account shows what lower-cost prescriptions may be available under your health plan and lets you compare prices.
  • Switch to a lower-cost option with ease. Rx Savings Solutions will handle everything with your doctor and pharmacy.
  • Rx Savings Solutions will contact you anytime you can be spending less.
  • Watch video: Rx Savings Solutions

Generic drug FAQs

Of the more than 10,000 brand-name drugs listed in the FDA’s Orange Book—which identifies generic equivalents—there are more than 7,600 generics. In cases where a generic equivalent is not available, there may be a generic in the same group of drugs that will work just as well.

They look different because the generic companies make the pills in different shapes and colors. Nevertheless, the active chemical ingredients—which make the drug work—are identical.

With brand-name drugs, you end up paying more out of pocket. Generics almost always cost less than brand-name drugs. On average, a member can save up to $222 per year by using a generic drug instead of a brand-name drug.

Brand-name drug companies pay a lot to research, develop, advertise, and market their product. When a brand-name drug comes off patent (about 10 years after marketing) other manufacturers can make and market drugs with the same ingredients. They don't have to repeat expensive research or marketing the brand-name company has done, so the savings are passed on to you.

The FDA provides information about every approved drug on its website, including what the drug is used for, side effects, and usage warnings.

Express Scripts is an independent company that provides pharmacy services on behalf of Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska.
Rx Savings Solutions is an independent company that provides lower-cost alternative alerts on behalf of Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska