I don’t understand the difference between generic, Plan-preferred brand-name and non-preferred brand-name drugs.

Generic drugs are manufactured after the original manufacturer’s patent expires. These drugs are safe, effective and FDA-approved to meet the same rigorous standards for quality, strength and purity as their brand-name counterparts. They are less expensive because the generic manufacturer does not have the investment costs of the developer of a new drug.

Plan-preferred brand-name drugs are those that do not yet have a generic equivalent available and are preferred based on safety, effectiveness and cost. An independent Express Scripts committee of physicians and pharmacists determines which brand-name drugs are preferred. They are included on a drug list know as a formulary.

Non-preferred brand-name drugs are those that do not yet have a generic equivalent, but for reasons of effectiveness or cost, are not on your Plan’s formulary drug list.