Generic drugs provide the same high quality as their brand-name equivalents but at substantially lower costs. On average, the price of a generic drug is 80 to 85 percent less than its branded counterpart while meeting the same rigid FDA standards for safety, effectiveness and strength. Generic dosages are also the same as brand alternatives and offer the same therapeutic effects.
In the United States, 9 out of 10 prescriptions filled are for generic drugs, and many of the most popular brand name medicines have generic equivalents. Greater availability of generics spurs marketplace competition, reducing their costs even further and helping to make treatment more affordable for patients.
Our member portal MedBen Access (available online and via mobile app) allows plan members to not only find the costs and copays of specific drugs, but also view the costs and copays for any generic and therapeutic alternatives in the drug class. Many times, the potential savings can be significant.