The Medicare Part D program is a good way to control the amount of money you spend on your medications. Make sure you stay on track to manage your medication costs:

• Look into generic versions. Ask your physician whether generic medications could be right for you. These usually cost less than brand-name versions. A generic medication has the same strength, dosage and quality as its brand-name version.
• Ask for a free sample. If your physician prescribes a new medication, ask whether he or she can give you a free sample. This may help you learn whether the medication will work for you. It may also help you find out whether the medicine causes any side effects. Before you fill a prescription for any medicine, make sure it is covered under your plan formulary.
• Try to find discounts. Watch for coupons or discount offers on the medicines you take. You may be able to get them from your pharmacist or physician. You can also check for coupons or offers on manufacturer Web sites for the medicines you take.

If you take medications on a regular basis, you may find it convenient to use Caremark’s mail-service pharmacy. You can use it to get a 90-day supply of medicine. To avoid wasting money, make sure that the medicine works for you before you order a 90-day supply. To learn more, call the number on your member ID card or visit www.caremark.com.

Why Switch to a Generic?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that each generic medicine be as safe and effective as the original brand-name version. A generic medicine has the same effect as the brand-name version. And the generic version is just as safe. You can ask your physician to prescribe generics and allow generic substitution at your pharmacy. Say yes if your pharmacist asks whether you would like the generic version of a brand-name medicine. Or ask your pharmacist to get your physician’s permission to switch your prescription medication from a brand name to generic. This may help lower your costs.