In Medicare news, according to US News and World Report, the following prescription drugs will go generic in 2012.
Be sure to ask your pharmacist for the generic version of your drug when it becomes available as this will save you a bundle.
Name Brand Prescription Drugs that become Generic in 2012:
March. Lexapro (escitalopram); $2.56 billion. Used for treating depression.
March. Seroquel (quetiapine); $3.48 billion. This is an antipsychotic medication.
May. Plavix (clopidogrel); $4.56 billion. Used to prevent unwanted blood clots to avoid heart attacks and strokes.
July. Tricor (fenofibrate); $1.35 billion. Helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood.
August. Singulair (montelukast); $3.47 billion. Used for asthma and allergies.
August. Actos (pioglitazone); $2.78 billion. This is an oral diabetic medication.
September. Diovan (valsartan); $1.47 billion. See below.
September. Diovan HCT (valsartin/hydrochlorothiazide); $1.38 billion. These drugs are used for the treatment of hypertension.
Medicare Part D, or the Prescription Drug program, is just that. You must obtain a prescription drug plan whether you are currently on medications or not. The Federal Government requires all Medicare beneficiaries to obtain a Part D drug plan, otherwise you will be responsible for a “late enrollment penalty” if you fail to get a Part D plan and decide to activate one later.
Medicare Part D (prescription drugs) plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. When you join a Medicare Prescription Drugs Plan, you use the card that you receive from the plan to receive a discount on your prescriptions at a many pharmacies.
