Prescription drugs can be an important part of managing your health. Understanding your drug benefits makes it easier to talk with your doctor about the most effective and affordable drugs covered under your plan.
Are my drugs covered?
When your doctor prescribes a medicine, it is important to know if it is covered by your plan. The list of covered drugs is called a formulary. Your plan's formulary includes brand-name and generic drugs, biologics and biosimilars. The complete list consists of drugs taken by mouth and drugs that are injected.
Independent Health partners with doctors and pharmacists from our community to manage our formularies. Together, we review each medicine based on safety, unique qualities, how well it works and cost.
What are my options if my drug isn’t covered or is too expensive?
There could be a medicine under a different name that offers similar health benefits at a lower cost. Talk with your doctor to review your options, which might include the following:
Ask for a drug that is covered.
If your drug isn’t on the formulary, or list of covered drugs, show the formulary to your doctor. There might be a covered drug that is just as effective and safe, costs less or may not require prior authorization.
Most of the time, a formulary drug will cost you less than a non-formulary drug. Understanding your drug coverage and talking about options with your doctor may lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Consider a generic drug.
Generic drugs can often save you money. Ask if there’s a generic version of your brand-name medicine. Check your formulary to make sure the generic is covered.
Consider a different drug.
Some brand-name drugs don’t have a generic version. However, your doctor might suggest a different brand-name or generic drug that is covered and costs less.
The alternative medicine might be listed in a different category on your formulary or have different ingredients, but it can still be approved and recommended to treat your condition.
Drug vs. Therapeutic Alternative*
cost estimate per month

Shop around.
Prescription drug prices can vary between pharmacies, just like other things we buy. Taking time to compare prices might help you save money.
If you are concerned about drug cost, call or visit other pharmacies in your plan’s network that are convenient for you. The pharmacy staff will be able to tell you the out-of-pocket cost of your drug based on your plan.
Here are step-by-step instructions to find other pharmacies in your network or make the switch to a new pharmacy.
Contact Member Services if you need assistance.
* Drug costs shown are estimates for informational purposes only and may change daily. Talk with a pharmacist for specific costs that apply to you.