PBM Issues.

Many firms are still missing an opportunity to trim some health plan expenditures.

Generic versions of high-cholesterol drug Zocor have been on market for two years now, but a fair share of company drug store plans have yet to make the switch.

If your PBM gives generic Zocor favored status on the formulary, now’s a good time to remind employees -

o  most individuals  on cholesterol-control meds will get the same therapeutic value from generic Zocor as from the label brand and the more potent â.” and still patented â.” Lipitor

o   they are able to save $10 to $50 (or more, depending on your drug plan design) on their co-pay by switching, but

o   they ought to ask their physician first. People  with cholesterol levels over 200 and/or family histories of  ultra-high cholesterol may  be better off staying on Lipitor.

Reason -  It takes four times the amount of a Zocor-type medication  to equal one dose of Lipitor.