Prescription Drugs: Generic Versus Brand

Understanding generic drugs — and how they differ from brand drugs — can help you manage your prescription drug costs.

Breaking Down Generic Drugs

Generic drugs can be used two ways:

• Generic equivalents are made the exact same active ingredients as the brand drug and are often offered at the same dose level.
• Generic alternatives are used to treat the same health problems as the brand drug, but the active ingredients are different.

Most times generic drugs cost less than brand drugs. Ask your doctor if a generic drug is right for you.

Create a Custom View of Your Drug Claims

Blue Access for Members^SM lets you customize the way you view your health insurance claims. By narrowing your search to drug claims, you can browse the Claim Center to see all drug claims for you and the dependents covered by your plan. This view makes it easy to see which claims have been paid, not paid and processed.

Get Details Online

Click any tag to find more Connect articles about drug choices and uses. You can also visit our website to learn about drug lists, dispensing limits, pharmacy programs and more information about your prescription coverage.

Source: Generic Drugs, Questions & Answers,  U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2021

Originally published 4/7/2015; Revised 2020, 2022, 2024