Weighing the alternatives

Know your options.

The amount you pay for your prescriptions will vary based on a number of factors, including the coverage category or tier your medication is listed under, the cost of the medication and whether the medication or dose requiring prior authorization has been approved.

Here are some tips that can help you better manage your health and save money:

Consider generic medications.

Many prescription medications have less-expensive, generic alternatives. A generic drug is a medication whose active ingredients, safety, dosage, quality and strength are identical to that of its brand-name counterpart. Learn more about generics.

If a generic version of your brand-name medication is not available, don't rule out generic drugs entirely. There may be other generic drugs in the same class of drugs with the same treatment effect that can meet your needs. Speak with your physician to explore the "generic therapeutic alternatives" that are right for you.

Learn about low-cost alternatives to your medications.

Talk with your doctor to understand the alternatives available to treat your condition. There may be less-expensive brand-name medications or over-the-counter medications appropriate for you.

Seek additional information.

Many additional resources are available to help you learn about the treatment options for your condition or illness. If you currently have CIGNA HealthCare benefits, please log in or register for myCIGNA.com, where you can "Ask a CIGNA Tel-Drug Pharmacist" and access medication information provided by Healthwise^®.

Make the choices that are right for you-discuss drug-treatment alternatives with your physician, understand your condition, and know how your pharmacy plan works.