Can generic discount programs save you money?

This publication suggests that generic discount programs (e.g., $4 generics) results in ~10% fewer levothyroxine prescriptions being submitted to the PBM for adjudication.  Sounds good until you balance the savings against the loss of data for clinical programs.  Saving 10% on inexpensive medications will have a very limited impact on your medication costs and trends.

Not having these claims will weaken your point-of-service programs (e.g., interaction) checking and other clinical programs such as care gap alert systems (e.g., poor adherence) and care management services.  It doesn't take many patients with a potentially avoidable hospital admission to wipe out the savings.

Consider making these same drugs a $4 co-payment or less with your benefit.  Then inform your beneficiaries that they have a comparable program available through their benefit program and can be used at any pharmacy in your network.