Preferred Drug Program

What is the ODS Preferred Drug Program?
What makes the ODS Preferred Drug Program different?
How does it work?
How do members know if they have this drug program?

What is the ODS Preferred Drug Program?

With the cost of prescription drugs rising higher and higher each year, the ODS Preferred Drug Program is designed to offer low cost choices that will save members money on prescription drugs.

What makes the ODS Preferred Drug Program different?

The ODS Preferred Drug Program works differently than a typical drug formulary which may require the use of generic or low cost brand drugs. The ODS Preferred Drug Program offers more flexibility as members can choose high cost drugs, if they desire, and still have a portion paid by ODS.

How does it work?

This program uses a Three Tier Copayment. Members can choose between generic, preferred brand name or high cost brand name drugs—each with a different copayment amount. Copayments will vary depending on which drugs you choose:

Generic Drug
A generic drug must be the therapeutic equivalent to its brand name counterpart to be considered an appropriate alternative. Therapeutic equivalency is determined by the FDA approval process, the physician at the point of prescribing, and the pharmacist at the point of dispensing.
Preferred Brand Drug
Brand drugs that have been reviewed by ODS and found to be clinically effective at favorable costs. These drugs carry a preferred brand copayment.
Non-Preferred Brand Drug (High Cost)
Brand drugs that have been reviewed by ODS and found not to have a significant advantage over preferred brands but usually cost more. Drugs that have alternative treatment modalities are also considered high cost brand drugs.

How do members know if they have this drug program?

Members should refer to their Member Handbook which will tell them more about their pharmacy benefits. Members can still save money using generic or preferred drugs even if they do not have a three tier copayment.

NOTE: To find a specific drug, open the Preferred Drug List and look for the binoculars on the tool bar. Click on the binoculars and when the Acrobat Find Box appears, type in the first few letters, or the full name of the generic or brand drug you are looking for.