Humana's Your Practice

Humana Offers Zero-Dollar Copayments for Generics

In an effort to bring lower drug prices to nearly half of its over 4 million Medicare members, Humana now offers zero-dollar copayments for eligible Humana Medicare members who order Tier 1 (preferred generics) drugs from RightSource^SM, the company's preferred prescription home delivery service. RightSource sends up to a 90-day supply of medications directly to members' homes.

This savings opportunity is available for Humana Medicare PDP Enhanced, Medicare PDP Complete and most Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage (MAPDs).

Humana's zero-dollar copayment benefit includes up to a 90-day supply of more than 2,200 generic prescriptions in a variety of dosages in solid or liquid forms. The generic drugs, known as Tier 1 (preferred generics), include many well-known drug types prescribed for conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Using RightSource may also provide Medicare members with savings opportunities for drugs in Tiers 2 and 3.

"The zero-dollar copayment for preferred generic drugs could potentially help millions of our Medicare members, particularly as they get into the coverage gap," said William Fleming, PharmD, Humana's vice president of pharmacy. He noted that about 60 percent of Humana's Medicare prescription drug claims are for Tier 1 drugs, adding, "Generics contain the same active ingredients as 'brand-name' counterparts, and are equally effective."

For members using RightSource in 2008:

Medicare PDP Complete members pay zero-dollar copayments for preferred generics during the first two stages of the prescription drug plan, and a zero-dollar copayment in the coverage gap. During the catastrophic coverage stage, members pay whichever is greater – 5 percent coinsurance or $2.25 for a preferred generic drug.
Medicare PDP Enhanced members and most MAPD plan members pay zero-dollar copayments for preferred generics during the first two stages of the prescription drug plan. Members pay 100 percent in the coverage gap until the yearly out-of-pocket costs reach the catastrophic coverage stage. At that point, members pay whichever is greater – 5 percent coinsurance or $2.25 for a preferred generic drug.

Visit RightSourceRx.com for more information.

For more information about generics, and to see Humana's drug list, visit Humana.com and click on "Providers" and then "Prescription Tools" under "Quick Links."