Prescription Drug Tiers
Prescription drugs generally fall into the following “tiers,” and your out-of-pocket cost will vary by each of these tiers. Whenever possible, consider filling your prescription with a generic drug rather than a brand-name drug.
Generic
A medication that contains the same active ingredients and is available in the same strengths and dosages as its brand-name equivalent. Generic drugs cost less than brand-name drugs and save you and RWJBarnabas Health money.
Preferred Brand
A medication that has been identified as a good value, both clinically and financially. You pay less for preferred brand-name drugs than for non-preferred brand-name drugs.
Non-Preferred Brand
A medication that has an alternative generic or preferred brand-name drug that is clinically equivalent. Non-preferred brand-name drugs typically cost more than generic and preferred brand-name drugs.
Specialty
These are high-cost medications used to treat complex, chronic conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and may be Preferred or Non-Preferred Specialty drugs. They often require special handling (such as refrigeration during shipping) and administration (such as injection or infusion). Specialty medications are limited to a 30-day supply at a time. All specialty medications must be filled through the LSC Pharmacy.
