Do you know how drug coupon’s work with your health insurance?

A drug coupon is a voucher worth a set amount that a drug maker may offer consumers. A drug coupon can be used to help offset your out-of-pocket costs when you fill a prescription for a covered drug.

You need to be aware that starting this year, the coupon may not help you meet your in-network out-of-pocket maximum — the most you pay per year in out-of-pocket costs. Most health plans will no longer apply the value of a drug coupon to your yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

The coupon amount may no longer apply to your in-network deductible, either. For example, if you have a $1,500 deductible that you must meet before your health plan starts to pay, a drug coupon that takes $50 off your out-of-pocket cost won’t lower your deductible by that $50.

There are three things you should check to make sure you are getting the best price for your prescription needs:

1. Check to see if your drug is covered on your prescription drug list. Your cost at the pharmacy may be high because the drug isn’t on your plan’s drug list.
2. Ask your doctor about covered alternatives or generic options that treat the same health issue. These often have the same benefits at a lower cost.
3. Use in-network pharmacies. Your cost will always be lower if you use a drug store that’s in your plan’s network.

To review your drug list, find an in-network pharmacy and get details about your pharmacy benefits, log in to Blue Access for Members^SM (BAM^SM) at bcbsok.com/member.

To learn more about how your health plan benefits work, visit bcbsok.com/insurance-basics.