Generic alternatives to brand-name medications may help patients save money. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states1 that it ensures the safety and effectiveness of the generic drugs it approves. According to the FDA, a generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent, to a brand-name drug and is “required to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route of administration as the brand-name product.”
Click here for a list of common brand drugs and corresponding generic and over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives.
Many Humana members take multiple medications prescribed by more than one doctor. Having multiple prescribers increases the risks of drug-to-drug interactions and potential side effects. RxMentor provides eligible members with face-to-face and telephone consultations with a pharmacist. The goal of this program is to optimize therapeutic outcomes by focusing on safety, lower-cost alternatives, adherence and health literacy.
Physicians are notified by fax about the results of consultations if the member consents to the notification and agrees to a change in medication therapy recommended by the pharmacist. The physician fax will outline the consulting pharmacist's recommendations and ask the doctor to consider making the recommended changes, if medically appropriate.
Members who meet predetermined eligibility requirements or are referred from other Humana clinical programs may qualify for the RxMentor program. Once a Humana member becomes eligible for RxMentor, the member will receive a call offering him/her the opportunity to schedule a phone consultation with a Humana-employed pharmacist. Some members will receive an offer for a face-to-face consultation at a local pharmacy. During either of these one-on-one consultations, the pharmacist will discuss the member's medications and explore cost-savings opportunities. Members may receive up to five consultations a year, depending on whether follow-up consultations are necessary.
Drug utilization reviews and resources – An overview of Humana's communications with providers around members’ drug utilization
Medical and pharmacy coverage policies – Humana's evaluation and coverage of medical procedures, devices and medications.