BCBSNC to Offer Free Generic Drug Samples in Physicians’ Offices

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, in partnership with the North Carolina State Health Plan, is participating in a new Generic Sampling Program that will provide free samples of commonly used generic drugs at select physician offices.  This program is designed to educate patients on how they can save money by choosing less expensive generic drugs, which can cost up to 80% less than their name brand alternatives.  The program will be introduced at six locations in the Triangle by the end of the year and will expand throughout the state at select locations by the end of 2007.

BCBSNC has contracted with MedVantx, a San Diego-based health solutions company, to provide the samples through ATM-style machines known as generic drug Sample Centers™ that will be placed at certain physician offices throughout the state.  The generic samples available through this program target chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression and other common ailments.  Several over-the-counter medications are also available free of charge through the program.

While the program is sponsored by BCBSNC, all patients are eligible to receive samples through the Generic Sampling Program regardless of their insurance coverage.

North Carolina is the first state in the Southeast to provide access to free generic drug samples to patients visiting their physicians, and BCBSNC is the first provider in the region to offer a free sampling program.  This program represents another step in BCBSNC’s efforts to educate members on the financial benefits of selecting generic drug alternatives.  It follows the successful generic copay waiver program, which will come to an end on December 31.

Should you have any questions about this program, please contact our office.

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December 7, 2006

Hill, Chesson & Woody
Employee Benefit Services

194 Finley Golf Course Road, Suite 200,
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919.403.1986
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