Blue Cross Partner CivicaScript Offers Generic Drugs at Significant Savings
Blue Daily
| 2 min read
Key Takeaways
- BCBS partner CivicaScript develops, manufactures and distributes common high-price generic prescription drugs for a fraction of what many consumers otherwise pay.
- CivicaScript recently released a version of generic capecitabine, which is about $1,500 per month less than versions available from other distributors.
- CivicaScript's approach could significantly lower members’ out-of-pocket costs for deductibles and copayments, while also reducing costs for group customers and insurers.
Four lower cost generic drugs are now available through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s partner CivicaScript® to give significant savings to our members and group customers on the high costs of brand-name prescription drugs.
CivicaScript recently released a version of generic capecitabine, a treatment for certain types of colorectal, breast, gastric, esophageal, gastroesophageal junction and pancreatic cancer. Civica’s price for this medication is about $1,500 per month less than versions available from other distributors.
CivicaScript already has three other generic drugs available at prices lower than averages at pharmacies nationwide:
- Abiraterone acetate, which treats metastatic prostate cancer, at savings of $1,000, or 64%, per year
- Droxidopa, which treats certain types of orthostatic hypotension causing dizziness or lightheadedness, at savings of $2,100 per month
- Dimethyl fumarate, which treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, at savings of $4,300 per month
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan joined with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and 22 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield-licensed health plans in 2020 to launch CivicaScript. The nonprofit initiative works to develop, manufacture and distribute common high-price generic prescription drugs for a fraction of what many consumers otherwise pay.
This approach could significantly lower members’ out-of-pocket costs for deductibles and copayments, while also reducing costs for group customers and insurers.
“The momentum we’re creating with our transparent business model is proving to be both successful and sustainable,” said CivicaScript President Brent J. Eberle. “We’re aligning all stakeholders to prioritize the lowest sustainable cost, which means lower prices for patients and cost savings throughout the system.”
A May 2025 report in The New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst showed that CivicaScript’s first product, abiraterone, saved patients 64% and insurers 92% of the price of other versions of the same drug.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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