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November 2017
When comparable alternatives exist, Blue Cross and BCN don’t cover select high-cost prescription drugs
To address the high cost of drugs and provide the best value for our members, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network commercial plans don’t cover select high-cost, FDA-approved drugs because there are more cost-effective therapeutic alternatives.
Vanatol LQ, used to treat headaches, is one of these high-cost drugs that will no longer be covered, starting Nov. 1, 2017. The table below compares the average cost of one dose of Vanatol LQ to that of its associated therapeutic alternatives.
Drug not covered, effective Nov. 1, 2017 |
Cost per dose |
Cost to member |
Vanatol LQ |
$45 |
Full cost (not covered) |
Generic alternatives |
Cost per dose |
Cost to member |
Esgic |
<$1 |
Generic copayment |
Fioricet |
<$1 |
Generic copayment |
Fiorinal |
<$1 |
Generic copayment |
Phrenilin |
<$1 |
Generic copayment |
As part of this ongoing initiative, we’ll continue to identify select high-cost drugs and stop covering them when there are more cost-effective alternatives available.
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