Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania offers free generic drugs to members.

Patients who are insured by Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and have a multi-tiered drug plan don't pay a penny for any of 65 generic drugs. Dubbed "Tier Zero," the new program covers common medications used to treat chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, gastric reflux, and osteoporosis. The aim, obviously, is to reduce costs for Blue Cross - and also for patients and employers, by encouraging long-term treatment of these chronic conditions. According to a report in the Times-Tribune in Scranton, PA, the insurer says that while other health plans have waived co-pays for medications, it is the first to offer a permanent tier of no-cost drugs in its benefits package.