USA's Aetna offering co-pay-free period in NJ for PPI generics

Starting this month, US health care benefits group Aetna is launching a six-month pilot program in the New Jersey area that waives co-pays for fully-insured members changing to generic from brand name proton pump inhibitors (PPI) to treat heartburn or similar symptoms.

Commercial plan members currently filling prescriptions for certain brand name PPIs are eligible for the co-pay waiver, if they switch therapy to the generic omeprazole 20mg (the copy for AstraZeneca's Prilosec). The free co-pay program is part of an aggressive effort by Aetna Pharmacy Management to encourage individuals to use generic drugs, where appropriate and with the approval of their physician. The switch to generics can help employers and employees save on the rising cost of prescription drugs, says Aetna.

"There is a tremendous opportunity to help consumers and employers save by increasing appropriate utilization of generic drugs and this program seeks to raise awareness of savings through generics," said Eric Elliott, head of APM. "The message of this program is simple: if generic drugs are prescribed whenever appropriate, health care costs can be responsibly controlled without any adverse impact on the quality of care," he added.