Save with generic drugs, they are the same as brand name drugs in dosage, safety, active ingredients, and quality.  Generic co-pays are usually lower too.

When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it gets a patent that allows it to be the only seller of that drug. When the patent expires, other companies can offer medications with the same active ingredient which are referred to as generic drugs, and they are generally less expensive, they could be as much as 75% percent less than their brand name equivalents.

Generic drugs are approved by the FDA, and are identical to brand name drugs in terms of quality. Generic drugs also have active drug ingredients that are identical to their brand name equivalents. In fact, the FDA reviews data showing the drug is bioequivalent to the brand name drug, monitors manufacturing practices of the drug, and reviews the active and inactive ingredients used in the drug before it is marketed. (more…)

Survey Shows Many Women Put Off Doctor Visits Because of Higher Health Care Costs

Dec. 2, 2008 — Almost half of women surveyed in a national poll said they had failed to seek health care for themselves or their families over the previous year because the cost was too high.

The annual survey of women’s attitudes and behaviors regarding health care, released today by the National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC), found that women were most likely to put off doctor visits for themselves and least likely to put off doctor visits for their children. (more…)

Maternity Coverage

BCBSNC offers an optional maternity rider to females (policy holder or spouse) ages 18 and over who are not pregnant when they apply for coverage. If you elect not to purchase the maternity rider when you first apply, you can add at the following times so long as you are not pregnant at the time: (more…)