"LAST YEAR, BLUES MEMBERS SAVED MORE
THAN s4 MILLION OUT OF THEIR OWN
POCKETS BY CHOOSING GENERICS.
NOW THAT'S AN EASY PILL TO SWALLOW."

&AiL//eviotie._

With the help of our generics program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members
are getting the same active ingredients in the bottle with more savings in their pocket.

One of the ways we've been helping our members save out-of-pocket expenses is by urging everyone to get the facts

about generic drugs. Starting in 2001, we began telling physicians, employers, legislators, members and the general

public about the safety, effectiveness and cost-savings offered by generics.

One thing we all need to remember is the FDA requires generic drugs to meet the same standards

for strength, purity and quality, and to contain the same active ingredients as the brand

name drugs. Which means that generics give you the same therapeutic effects—for

less. Last year, Blues' members saved more than $4 million in out-of-pocket costs
due to lower copays for generics.

There are times when a generic equivalent is not available. But choosing

a generic when possible can help hold down rising health care costs—and

can add up to extra money in your pocket. To learn more about what

generics can do for you, please visit our consumer Web site,

www.theunadvertisedbrand.com .

Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Blue Care Network

of Michigan

Nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

YOU and the POWER ofBerAd

www.bcbsm.com

1/ 2
2004

9