What is a prescription drug list?

A prescription drug list is a drug list used by doctors and other health care providers. It is a list of "covered" prescription medicines developed by doctors and pharmacists working for a health care organization or pharmacy benefits manager (PBM). Hospitals have used prescription drug lists for years to control costs while still providing quality medicines. Doctors working in health care organizations use a prescription drug list as a guide when prescribing medicine for patients.

Drug prescription drug list and your health insurance

A prescription drug list is a list of "covered" prescription medications (a drug list) developed by doctors and pharmacists working for a health care organization. Doctors working in health care organizations use a prescription drug list as a guide when prescribing medication for patients. Each health insurance plan can have a different prescription drug list or "drug list" as determined by the health plan.

What is a covered drug?

Covered medications are medications that are covered or paid for by your health insurance. The prescription drug list contains a listing of the covered medications. You can use the Prescription Drug List link to verify that your prescription is for a covered medication.

How to check your prescription drug list

If your prescription is covered by your health insurance, normally you only pay your copayment. If your prescription is not covered by your health insurance, you may have to pay the full cost of the medication. Use the links under Member Tools to see if your prescription is covered by your health insurance or check your prescription drug list. 

To check a certain drug, enter the name of the drug as it appears on your prescription and click Search. You can also enter just the first few letters of the drug’s name. Click the Search button to get a list of drugs that meet the search criteria.

In addition to searching for a particular drug name, you can browse the list of drugs covered by your plan. You can browse drugs listed in order of brand name, generic name, or therapeutic class.

Why are prescription drug lists necessary?

Prescription Drug Lists help to keep drugs affordable and remind doctors and patients that there are many effective medicine choices. All the dollars spent on advertising to launch new drugs has created a huge demand for new, high cost, brand-name drugs. As the number of drugs increases, it is important to give doctors an easy way to prescribe the best medicines for common conditions. This list of drugs helps.

How are drugs selected for the prescription drug list?

Prescription drugs are reviewed for safety, effectiveness and value. Cost is just one factor in putting a drug on or taking a drug off the prescription drug list list when other similar medications are available.

How may I get a paper copy of my prescription drug list?

You may print out a copy of your prescription drug list (drug list). Search your prescription drug list or sort it the way you would like. When you find the information you need, click on the Print this Page link on the top right of the screen.

Note: When you give another person access to your account, they will be able to see information about you and your prescriptions. You should be careful about who you choose to have access to this information. You may also wish to review your choice of "Caregiver" or "Account Manager" on a regular basis by selecting "My Account Manager".