A new generic drug called atorvastatin is now available for the brand name Lipitor, a drug often used to help lower cholesterol. This good news means that those currently taking Lipitor can save on prescription drug costs if your doctor agrees that switching to the new generic drug is right for you. Employees/dependents whose doctors prescribe atorvastatin will pay the lowest copay or coinsurance.
As you know, the drugs on our drug list fall into three different groups, called tiers, based on their cost. The lower the tier, the lower the cost. Atorvastatin was added to our tier 1 drug list on November 30, 2011. On December 5, 2011, Lipitor moved to tier 3. Talk with your doctor about whether switching to atorvastatin is right for you. If so, there could be prescription drug cost savings in your future!