Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has officially announced the release of the generic form of Lipitor (atorvastatin), one of the most popular medications prescribed to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. This new availability means consumers can now access the same trusted treatment at a fraction of the cost of the brand-name version.
Pfizer Offers Incentives to Keep Patients on Lipitor
With the arrival of the generic Lipitor, Pfizer, the original manufacturer of the brand-name drug, is launching incentive programs aimed at keeping patients loyal to the brand. These programs include rebates and savings cards to offset some of the cost differences between Lipitor and its generic alternative.
However, even with incentives, the price gap between brand-name and generic atorvastatin remains significant. Most patients will find that switching to the generic form provides identical therapeutic benefits while substantially reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Generic Drugs: Safe, Effective, and Affordable
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all generic drugs meet the same standards for safety, strength, quality, and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts. That means generic atorvastatin offers the same cholesterol-lowering results as Lipitor — but at a much lower price.
For many patients, this change makes long-term treatment for high cholesterol far more affordable and sustainable.
Insurance Plan Changes: Lipitor Moves to Tier 3
As of December 5, 2011, Lipitor has been moved to Tier 3 on most health insurance formularies, including Anthem BCBS plans. Tier 3 typically represents brand-name drugs with higher co-pays. In contrast, the generic version — atorvastatin — is generally placed in Tier 1 or Tier 2, making it more cost-effective for policyholders.
Health insurers like Anthem encourage members to use generic prescriptions whenever possible to help control rising healthcare costs and keep premiums more stable for all consumers.
How Anthem Members Benefit
Anthem’s prescription drug coverage programs, such as Clear Protection, are designed to help members save money while maintaining access to trusted medications. Switching to generics when available is one of the easiest ways to maximize your benefits and minimize expenses.
If you have questions about your prescription coverage, or you’re considering a new health insurance plan, Chuck can assist you in reviewing your options and ensuring you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.
Final Thoughts
The release of generic Lipitor (atorvastatin) marks an important milestone in making cholesterol management more affordable for millions of Americans. While Pfizer’s incentives may appeal to some, the widespread adoption of generics represents a win for both consumers and the healthcare system.
For most patients, the generic form provides the same proven results at a much lower cost — an easy choice for better health and smarter spending.